While netball is a team sport, it often comes down to individual performances in key areas of the court — and in this case, the competition’s two most prolific goalscorers: Euroa’s Olivia Morris and Shepparton’s Kim Borger.
These two are match-winners, but they can only deliver if the supply is sufficient — after all, they can’t go past the first horizontal white line on the court at any stage.
Individual Match-Ups
Olivia Morris (Euroa GS) vs Keeley O’Dwyer (Bears GK)
BEARS W (controversially, given Morris is the league’s leading goaler). In their last meeting, O’Dwyer held Morris to just six goals in the first term — almost unheard of — and kept her under double figures again in the third. Morris finished with 39 goals, one of only three sub-40 games for her season. She now has 1,026 goals for the year and finished third in the league medal count.
Mia Sudomirski (Euroa GA) vs Molly Kennedy (Bears GD)
DRAW. Yes, I’m sitting on the fence — and for good reason. This battle could decide the game. Both players featured in every top-30 list I compiled for GVL A Grade this season. Kennedy is an intercepting beast — close-checking and athletic. Sudomirski has an almost telepathic connection with Morris that sends defenders into a spin.
Eliza Bicknell (Bears WD) vs Sophie Owen (Euroa WA)
EUROA W. Both are reliable link players, offering outlet passes from defence and helping position the ball in the goaling circle. While both are sure-handed, Owen gets the edge for her ability to read the play and contribute defensively despite being a wing attack.
Hollie Reid (Euroa C) vs Caitlin Tuohey (Bears C)
EUROA W. Reid is a big-game performer — best on court in last year’s grand final and a standout in representative netball. She faced four different opponents last time these teams met (Tuohey, Mackenzie O’Dwyer, Scott, and Kennedy). Reid finished runner-up to Borger in the league best and fairest count. She’s fast, relentless, and highly engaged on both ends of the court.
Mackenzie O’Dwyer (Euroa WA) vs Eliza Hoare (Bears WD)
BEARS W. O’Dwyer is a rising star in Victorian netball and will be focused on linking the mid-court to Borger and Harmer. Hoare will need to be in shutdown mode. If O’Dwyer can run off her and create attacking opportunities, she’ll impact the game — but overall, I give the edge to Hoare.
Sophie Harmer (Bears GA) vs Kellie Davidson (Euroa GD)
EUROA W. Harmer is underrated outside her team but highly respected within it. She has a massive work ethic but faces Davidson — a calm, capable defender who excels in both close-checking and fast-paced play. Davidson is a strong communicator and leader. If she can contain Harmer, it will reduce Borger’s supply. Harmer was the Bears’ second-highest vote-getter in the league medal count.
Kim Borger (Bears GS) vs Ellie Warnock (Euroa GK)
BEARS W. Borger is the league’s best player — proven by her 37 votes to win the best and fairest by nine. She rarely misses, is hard to move, and is the second-highest goal scorer this season. She thrives in big games and will be determined to lead her team to an unbeaten season (despite a draw with Seymour). Warnock has the height and athleticism to match her, but when Harmer’s long-range passing is on, it’s tough for any defender to out-position Borger.
Interchange
BEARS W. Bears: Erin Scott, Hannah Crawley, Ruby Higgins, Zoe Monteleone, Makayla Finn. Strong support across all areas. Crawley is a solid defender, Scott works the mid-court, and Higgins adds attacking depth. They can confidently rotate these players at any stage.
Magpies: Sarah Ternes, Sam Kreltszheim, Kelly Hill, Bree Sudomirski. This group hasn’t been used as much. Kreltszheim stepped up when Mia Sudomirski was unavailable mid-season, as did Ternes and Bree Sudomirski.
Overall Result: Bears win 4–3
Which I think equates to a margin of 3–6 goals. Just as close as expected — and we wouldn’t want it any other way. I expect a tight contest, finishing well under the 120-goal mark, despite both teams regularly topping 60 goals.
Prediction: Shepparton Bears by four goals.
