For the second time in as many years, Myrtleford will contest the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League’s under 15 netball premiership.

The Saints have been one of the teams to beat for the last few seasons, and will have a chance to secure their first under 15 flag this Sunday at the Lavington Sports Ground against old enemy Wodonga Raiders.

Myrtleford secured their ticket to the big dance in Sunday’s preliminary final, which saw them triumph 57-34 over Wodonga Bulldogs.

After losing to Wodonga in the qualifying final, Myrtleford rebounded when it mattered most, hammering the Bulldogs on transition and clean shooting.

Now, they face their most fierce opposition – Raiders have been the only team to defeat Myrtleford in the regular season, and were able to get the job done exactly 12 months ago in the 2024 decider. Coach Olivia La Spina said her team was more than ready for the challenge, with skill and finals experience in hand.

“It’s so exciting, I’m honestly so proud of them – to make a grand final once is incredible, but to make it two years in a row is even better,” she said.

“What makes it more special is the majority of the team is the same from last year, so to do it with the same bunch of girls, it’s gotten to the point where they’re surrogate daughters, so it’s really awesome.

“I’m so happy and proud of them, and just excited for them.”

La Spina said the finals campaign has been a step up from the home and away season, but her team was well-equipped to handle anything thrown at them this weekend.

“It’s a tricky one – apart from our two losses to Raiders throughout the season, we really haven’t been pushed too hard which is really tricky leading into a finals series.

“In finals, the intensity’s naturally going to lift, and we probably just haven’t been exposed to that this year a lot.

“In the first final, I think that’s what caught us off guard, I think that loss was really good for the girls, to know they need to lift their intensity and know it wasn’t going to come easy to them.

“I was saying to someone, it’s almost like these girls are seasoned veterans with their finals experience, and I really think that counted last week.

“Sunday was arguably their best game for the whole season, they came out and performed on the big stage, and to play Wodonga again who they’d only lost to a fortnight ago and win by that much, it was just a phenomenal game.”

Myrtleford takes on Wodonga Raiders in the 2025 Ovens and Murray 15 and under netball grand final this Sunday, 21 September, from 8.45am at Lavington Sports Ground.

MEET THE TEAM

Issy Morrison - Strong and accurate. Her growth this year has made her a force under the post and unstoppable in the air.

Zahra Hazeldine - One of the best shooters in the league. Consistently shooting over 85 per cent, with her speed and agility her biggest asset.

Taylor Williamson - An underestimated force. Tay gives the attack a burst of energy and works tirelessly to get the ball to post. A beautiful, confident shot under the post.

Libby Hughes - A dynamic dynamite through the midcourt. Will throw her body on the line to rip the ball in. So steady with her feeds.

Ella McMasters - A calm, accurate presence in our attack end. Also presents in the right spots at the right moments. Has a wonderful finesse about her.

Milla Corcoran - A dogged gazelle. Is able to glide down the court with ease and is effortless in her attack on the ball. Her defensive game through the midcourt is second-to-none.

Layla Graham - A true WA’s nightmare. Has a crack at every single ball and is so level-headed with her transition down court. Her one-on-one defensive skills can win you a game.

Gemma Corcoran - A natural leader who stands tall in big moments. Consistently throwing herself around to win the ball. Gem’s defensive ability is well beyond her years.

Abbie Dalkin - Arms and fingertips that can cause many headaches for shooters. Consistently coming out on top with rebounds at crucial moments and has an impeccable ability to read the play.

Willow Szaraszek - Hard, fast and dynamic. A true team player who can play wherever the team needs her at any given moment. Always hunting the ball and a safe mover down court.