Girgarre making its last preparations for A-grade Kyabram District League grand final

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 12, 2024

Girgarre’s Holly Nelson will look to lead her side to victory on Saturday against Lancaster. Photo by Megan Fisher

Girgarre and Lancaster, the two most dominant forces in the Kyabram District League netball competition this year, will face off to decide who will fly the flag for 2024.

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Both teams finished with the same record by the season’s end (14-2), with goal percentage separating the two.

Girgarre had the better percentage (164.5), so it took the first seed heading into finals, while Lancaster placed second with a percentage of (149.66).

Neither team made the grand final last year. In fact, the Wombats didn’t make finals at all, having a miraculous turnaround from an 11th-place finish last season to a grand final appearance in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos were eliminated by Dookie United in the semi-final in 2023, but for the first time in the club’s history, the A-grade unit will have a chance to win the premiership.

Girgarre co-coach Holly Nelson is thrilled her side will have the chance to be crowned KDL champion for the first time.

“It’s really exciting to be part of a team that had so much success throughout the year and it’s great for the club to be in this position for its first grand final,” she said.

“Watching the team grow as individuals and as a team throughout the season has been great and it’s fantastic to be a part of their success.

“We have a tough game ahead of us, but even to make the grand final is an achievement in itself and it’s something that we have wanted all year, so it is exciting.”

Making the grand final is also a celebration for Lancaster’s A-grade side, as it hasn’t been in the top six in several years and is keen to hunt for an elusive premiership.

But the Kangaroos are also aware of the tough battle they will face on the KDL’s biggest stage, with coach Nelson highlighting the need for Girgarre to play a consistent four quarters to top the Wombats.

“We’ve been talking all year about being able to play four consistent quarters and we showed that against Shepparton East,” she said.

“Credit to Lancaster, they have been up there all year and they have been the team to beat, so we know it will be a battle.

“We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves. We know it’s going to be a tough match, but the vibes are high and we think we can do it.”

The grand final will start at 2.45pm on Saturday, September 14, at Mooroopna main court one.