Netball
14 May, 2026
WFNL netball reps star at Ballarat
The Wimmera Football Netball League junior representative teams have started their season in style at the Ballarat Netball Association Tournament, with the under 15 side winning their division.
Including association teams from Ballarat, Bellarine, Castlemaine, Central Highlands, Geelong and Mininera, the tournament also saw the under 13 side reach the final, the under 17s narrowly miss the final with a close semi-final loss and the under 15s development side put in competitive performances throughout the day.
After going undefeated through the six pool matches, the under 15 side won 15-12 over Ballarat Netball Association in a hard-fought semi-final.
Coach Amber Mitchell said she was pleased with how the team persevered under fatigue to reach the final, where they beat the Ballarat Football Netball League development team 15-9.
“We beat Ballarat Netball Association in the round games by eight, but it was a far closer game in the semi-final against them,” Mitchell said.
“I think perhaps a bit of fatigue might have set in the legs with the girls by that stage, but they fought it out really hard.
“We were a few goals up, then Ballarat would come back with a few goals, and then we'd stretch it out again.
“It was a great game, and they really ground it out, which was pleasing to see.”
The under 15s coach said she was very happy with the side’s start to the rep season, impressed by the team’s defensive intensity.
“I’m extremely happy with how they played; they’ve come together nicely over the last few weeks and months since training started,” Mitchell said.
“They had extremely impressive hands and pressure all the way down the court yesterday, which caused a lot of turnovers that we were able to capitalise on and convert into goals.
“The defensive pressure on Sunday was a standout for me, so it was great to see.”
Mitchell said the tournament also identified areas the team could improve on in the lead-up to the northern zone association championships in June.
“One thing I did notice we probably need to work on is our release of the ball when the pass is there, or the option to pass through is open,” she said.
“I think we just need to probably be a bit more trusting and give that a little bit quicker.”
The WFNL junior netball teams will next compete at the Central Victorian Netball Association junior tournament on Sunday, May 31.
The Horsham District Football Netball League junior football and netball representative teams will compete at the South West junior carnival in Portland this Sunday, May 17.