in the wake of the 2025 Ovens and Murray netball grand finals, Wangaratta coaches reflected on the big day and the season as a whole.
17 and under
Wangaratta Rovers came from behind in a thriller to win the Ovens and Murray 17 and under netball final, defeating Wodonga Raiders 38-36.
Rovers coach Stacey Lamb was understandably overjoyed with the win after losing the grand final last season.
"Proud, proud, proud; what an amazing day for our great netball club," Lamb said.
"The game played out a little bit as expected.
"A few nerves early and a first quarter for us to settle and work things out.
"We have been working hard to develop thinking players, players who can adjust and work things out on court to beat their opponents and I thought the girls did that well.
"We worked all week 'to play front, slow and keep the ball low'.
"These players trusted us coaches and delivered a beautiful game."
Lamb said the return of captain Annie Harding was massive.
"It was so nice, not just to allow us to have the band back together, but also for the defensive rotations," she said.
"Sophia Pasquali was exceptional as a goaler but also her work up the court to shut down their goal defence in attack was key to our victory.
"Lily Palmer won so much ball for us in defence and was awarded best on court by the umpires.
"Lainey Draper shut down their WA, who was a key playmaker for the Raiders in the semi-final.
"Brooke Del Mastro ran out a whole game in centre and was so calm, strong and fed Lily Lyster who was so good in goals.
"Freya Chant, Sadie Pellegrino and Elle Gibson were rotated through the midcourt and allowed us to change things up.
"It takes a whole team to win the grand final and these girls were so good."
Lamb recalled the all-important three quarter time break as pivotal to the outcome.
"I love netball and in the last huddle we were one goal up and we spoke about moments like this is why we play," she said.
"The players really took on the contest, trusted each other and played an exceptional last quarter.
"We walked with the angels today and I really want to thank the amazing under 17 players, Ellie Miller, my assistant coach, Holly McCarthy, Amelia Sharp, our support team, the senior netballers who stayed with us all finals, Deb Doyle and the C grade girls, the club and our wonderful families, sponsors and supporters."
Wodonga Raiders 12, 17, 27, 36, (36)
Wangaratta Rovers 8, 17, 28, 38, (38)
BEST: Wodonga Raiders: Sophia Kotzur 3, Sarah Mooney 2, Brylee Carkeek 1.
Wangaratta Rovers: Lainey Draper 3, Sophia Pasquali 2, Lily Palmer 1.
GOALS: Wodonga Raiders: Brylee Carkeek 28, Evie Lavis 6, Emerson O’Neill 1, Lucy Tinkler 1.
Wangaratta Rovers: Lily Lyster 23, Sophia Pasquali 15.
C grade
Rovers overcame last season's C grade champions and this season's minor premiers in a titanic Wangaratta derby battle to secure the premiership by just two goals, 41-39.
Neither team gave an inch as momentum shifted regularly.
Rovers coach Deb Doyle said it came down to some crucial moments as the game edged to its conclusion where the Hawks took control.
"Each time the Maggies created a small lead, we were able to respond and level the score, and then we would lead, and that pattern continued throughout the game," Doyle said.
"In the final two minutes, the momentum swung our way, and our players drew on their experience of performing under pressure to maintain composure, trust each other and hold strong.
"Those final moments were decisive and demonstrated the team’s ability to execute in tight situations."
Doyle said Lily Shanley (C) was outstanding.
"Lily was a vital link through the centre court with crucial intercepts and turnovers, showing real composure right to the end," she said.
"Holly Semmens (GS) was a strong presence in the circle, holding her ground, pulling in some thrilling catches, and finishing with accuracy under pressure.
"In defence, Sam Lyster (GK) was dominant with rebounds, tips, and solid intercepts, while Maggie Chant (GD) and Lily Palmer (U17, GK/GD) added constant pressure.
"That defensive intensity late in the game was key to swinging the momentum our way.
"In the midcourt, Tyler Cleal set the tone early, while Ella Masters (WD) applied controlled pressure all game, picking up crucial intercepts to help maintain the margin.
"Emma Kreltszheim, Charlotte Annett, and Freya Chant (U17, WA) rotated seamlessly, bringing speed and sharp, clean feeds into the circle that kept our momentum going.
"Mia Eddington (GA) was consistent and elusive, combining well with Holly and Lauren Flynn (GS), who brought strength and composure in the circle."
Doyle paid tribute to the players coming up from the under 17s, and all the players for being so responsive to her coaching style.
"Stacey 'Mina' Lamb has also been an incredible mentor, providing valuable insight into the game," she said.
"The Rovers netball coaching squad has been extremely supportive, as has Sandy 'Newmo' Newman, who quietly keeps everything running behind the scenes.
"I’m also grateful to the whole netball squad; our player leadership group has been fantastic in keeping everyone connected and motivated throughout the season.
"Finally, thanks to the Rovers club, Wendy Lester and Wally Pasquali, the board, and our many dedicated volunteers who make it all possible.
Magpies coach Rachelle 'Shel' Petts said it was a long, hard fought 60 minutes from both sides with neither team really being able to get a good lead.
"At one point I think we got ourselves up by four, but Rovers just came back fighting," Petts said.
"I think the loss for us came down to errors in critical moments.
"To win a grand final you have to play your best for the full 60 minutes, and the lapses that we had proved costly.
"Rovers took that opportunity and finished it off, full credit to them, they were a force out there."
Petts said despite the loss the players came together with the rest of the club to celebrate the successful season, which saw the Magpies take out the Ovens and Murray league's overall club championship.
"That’s important too, being able to reflect and really remind yourself of how good it is to play the sport you love with a group of people you love - that’s the good stuff," she said.
Petts was full of praise for Brooke Henwood (GA) who was key for for the Magpies in the final.
"She worked so hard and was able to keep the shooting circle open and moving for us," Petts said.
"She loves to set up Immy (Imogen Robinson) for an easy shot, but she really stood up today and took on the drives and shot the game out when we needed her to.
"Phebe Gibson was also solid for us in GK, and had a tough job on her hands.
"Taylor Boyle through WA absorbed 60 minutes of hard, physical defence and just continued to get herself to circle edge and feed.
"Jessie Knights in GD worked tirelessly all day, Lily Cairns had some great deflections and intercepts, and again took some big hits, but came out with the ball.
"Georgia Clark gave us variety through our attacking end, Diaz Matthews through the centre was strong on her drives and was able to get circle edge.
"Jess Henry came on for us and again was able to instantly get ball, and give us some speed back through the mid and Imogen Robinson was solid shooting for us all day against the strong Rovers defenders."
Petts herself returned from her calf injury and was able to play through the centre, offering some control and feeds into the shooters.
She thanked the club for their support, including the board, trainers, the other netball coaches and the netball operations group, C grade team manager Deanne Kelly, and assistant coach Jessie Knights.
Petts said, at this stage, she will be very happy to spend next season just as a player, and would welcome a new coach to come in.
Wangaratta 11, 17, 29, 39, (39)
Wangaratta Rovers 10, 17, 28, 41, (41)
BEST: Wangaratta: Taylor Boyle 3, Brooke Henwood 2, Phebe Gibson 1.
Wangaratta Rovers: Lily Shanley 3, Holly Semmens 2, Sam Lyster 1.
GOALS: Wangaratta: Imogen Robinson 23, Brooke Henwood 13, Georgia Clark 3.
Wangaratta Rovers: Mia Eddington 20, Holly Semmens 18, Lauren Flynn 3.
In the A grade, Wodonga Raiders came from third position to defeat powerhouse Yarrawonga 49-40.
In B grade Yarrawonga secured the trophy with a dominant 34 to 23 victory while in 15 and under, Wodonga Raiders achieved the rare feat of a perfect season to remain undefeated premiers, beating Myrtleford 54-42.