GFNL Netball Preview | Round 13
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s A Grade Netball matches in the Geelong Football Netball League.
Colac vs St Joseph’s
Central Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26th July, 2025
Colac has won their past two games, making some great inroads for the remainder of the season.
However, a tough encounter this weekend against last year’s runners-up St Joseph’s who earlier in the season defeated the Tigers by 47 goals.
St Joseph’s sit a game outside reigning premier Newtown, but with higher percentage.
Tiger’s own, Mary Place has caught the hot hand the past two weeks, shooting 87 goals.
Georgette Paatsch should be at her intercepting best, while experienced wing attack, Emily Post will look to move the ball quickly.
Leopold vs Geelong West Giants
Leopold Memorial Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26th July, 2025
Major ramifications for this weekend’s match,
Geelong West Giants are looking to hold off, sides outside the top five from taking their place.
A win would ensure a comfortable gap; however, a loss would bring Leopold and potentially Lara back into the mix.
For Leopold, it’s simple, win and they’re in the hunt.
The Lions will need Natalie Heagney to be accurate in front of goals, having shot 195 goals this season.
The Giants will look to centre, Mimi Lockwood to provide speed and precision passing.
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Newtown and Chilwell vs Grovedale
Elderslie Reserve, 1:40PM, Saturday 26th July, 2025
A clinical win last week from the reigning premiers has them in a pretty position.
Grovedale has faced challenges throughout the season and face a major task against Newtown.
Last year’s inaugural coaches’ player of the year, Vanessa Augustini should garner plenty of attention as she’ll look to control the ball in attack.
Tiger’s goal shooter, Esther Kidmas has shot 279 goals and will need to be accurate against a strong defense.
St Mary’s vs Lara
Kardinia Park, 1:40PM, Saturday 26th July, 2025
In terms of ladder positioning, there is no game, more important than this one.
St Mary’s were handed a tough loss to arch-rivals, St Joseph’s, while Lara was clinical in their performance against Lara.
A win for St Mary’s and they may find a little breathing room,
However, a loss and a Lara win will catapult the Cats into fifth spot, making for an exciting spectacle.
St Mary’s own Isabelle Grapsas was down on her usual input in front of goals last week, being held to eight goals, her second lowest of the season, she’s currently shot 253 goals for the season.
Cats centre Claire Newcombe will be all around the court, transitioning the ball from defense to attack, with Tilly Baker dangerous, having shot 37 goals last week.
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South Barwon vs Bell Park
McDonald Reserve, 1:50PM, Saturday 26th July, 2025
South Barwon hasn’t lost a game since Geelong West Giants, dating back to round five.
Bell Park is looking to avoid a fifth consecutive loss, after a heartbreaking loss to Geelong West Giants.
The Swans seem to be on a roll with, three-time hot shot winner, Ellen Doyle again dangerous in front of goals, having shot 526 goals for the season.
Dragons own Makaela Connelly, who sits fourth on the goals tally should expect plenty of attention.
Tune into AFL Barwon TV from 1.50pm on Saturday to watch live coverage of this big clash!
Bye St Albans
