Sport

26 September, 2025

Grand final awaits Magpies

CAMPERDOWN’S 13 and under reserves netballers are through to the grand final after a 27-17 win over Cobden in the preliminary final in Hamilton last week.

Camperdown’s 13 and under reserves with co-coaches Nell Blake (left) and Lauren Murphy (right). Back row, from left: Pippa Murphy, Alice Dennis, Reagan Webb and Ruby Johnston. Front: Zoe Unwin, Zahlia Hill, Alexa Raven, Maddie Lyne and Vogue Fleming. Absent – Zhai Deposoy.

“A strong win in the preliminary final is a huge achievement, especially when the team led from start to finish,” Camperdown co-coach Lauren Murphy said.

“They showed confidence, control and resilience under pressure.”

Ruby Johnstone scored 14 goals in the win, with Zahlia Hill shooting 12 and was named as the Magpies best.

“Zahlia was a constant for us in this game, she drove for everything, her shooting was amazing.

“Even when she missed or a turnover was made, she went straight into defensive mode and was able to get the ball back, doing this multipletimes in the goal ring.”

Alexa Raven received the coaches award as second best.

“Alexa’s determination at both trainings throughout the week gave her a drive and confidence while playing,” Murphy said.

“She demonstrated so much improvement and determination after what she had learnt in training.”

Zoe Unwin rounded out Camperdown’s best players.

“Zoe did not stop, her intensity was high the whole game, she kept the team moving and strong.

“She even played a quarter without her glasses after they broke, and still played like she had 20/20 vision.”

13 AND UNDER RESERVES

PRELIMINARY FINAL
Camperdown v Cobden

After a strong, consistent season with 15 wins and three losses during the home and away season, co-coach Nell Blake highlighted the growing maturity in the team.

“The girls are always so cool, calm and collected, nothing shakes them,” Blake said.

“I think there was only one game where they got flustered, we learnt from that, they all know when their part is needed for a particular game”

Thoughts quickly turned to the grand final after the win.

“The girls were excited but also very reserved after playing against many friends from Cobden, so while there were smiles and a real sense of achievement, there was also a quiet, respectful tone post-game.

“The real excitement will build during the week as the reality of a grand final sinks in, the coaches and team manager were probably more excited than the girls,” Murphy laughed.

Camperdown play South Warrnambool in the grand final, South getting the wins over the Magpies with a 22-11 result in round six, a 24-15 win in round 15 and a 25-22 scoreline in the second semi-final.

“Every time we have played against South, we have shown improvement and have made the margin smaller each time,” Blake said.

“Our semi-final showed that we are in good competition to take on South, with big moments from the girls, and leading for most of the game, we just need to finish the game with the same intensity as we start.”

Murphy added that the preliminary final win would hold the team in good stead for the decider.

“It’s a massive moment for the girls, not just because it’s a big final, but also because it rewards all the hard work, discipline, and belief they’ve put in throughout the season.