GOULBURN Valley League netballers made history at Netball Victoria’s Association Championships Finals Day by bringing home two titles, the 15 & Under and the Open Championships.
The Open team went one better than last year to beat the Murray League in a tight final. Redemption after falling just short in last year’s decider. It’s GVL’s seventh Open title in the event’s 25-year history, with previous wins in 2006–07, 2012–13, 2019, and 2022.
Coached by playing coach Shinea Sali and captained by Grace McInneny, the team was a strong and unified mix of Shepparton United (5 players), plus top talent from Tatura, Mooroopna and Shepparton.
But it was the 15 & Under team that stole the show.
Never before had the GVL won the 15s title, and they did it the hard way – playing 11 qualifying matches in one day, bouncing back from a narrow early loss to St Albans Caroline Springs, and then turning the tables in the grand final for a gutsy 3-goal win.
Coach Kelly Hill was full of praise for the entire team, but gave special mention to:
• Layla Ratcliffe (Mooroopna) – a defensive machine, she changed the momentum of the grand final with a crucial intercept against an older, state-level opponent.
• Frankie Ewart – one of the most exciting young talents in the league, with her speed, hops, and ability to cover both midcourt and defence.
• Ellie Robinson (United) & Sarah Head (Echuca) – tall targets in the goal ring who shot with confidence and composure all tournament long.
The Association Champs are a major part of Netball Victoria’s talent pathway.
