The business end of the Hampden FNL season is always buzzing with activity, and this week has been no different. While the Fresha Juice Finals Series got underway, the league also took the chance to celebrate its junior stars at the annual presentation evening. It was a night that highlighted the depth of emerging talent across the competition, and the vote counts produced plenty of drama with close finishes in several grades.
The standout winner was Camperdown’s Indiana Cameron, who was crowned the U17 Rebekah Moroney Medallist. Cameron has been instrumental in her side’s impressive U17 campaign while also making a valuable impact in the Open team. She finished five votes clear of Koroit’s Hannah O’Keefe, another young talent with a bright future. Other winners included Terang Mortlake’s Maddison Wallace, who claimed the U17 Reserves award, while Hamilton’s Molly Sevior shone in the U15 competition, topping a high-scoring vote count. South Warrnambool mid-courter Lottie Wilkinson was a commanding winner in the U15 Reserves, showing consistency throughout the year. The U13 award went to Roosters rising star Molly McNeil, with Cobden’s Mahli Baxter taking home the U13 Reserves medal.
On court, the finals action has already delivered. The opening weekend drew strong crowds at every venue, with the standard of netball reflecting the intensity of September. In the Open Qualifying Final, Koroit proved too strong for Warrnambool, who were forced to contend with the absence of two key players. The Saints’ younger brigade, full of energy and composure, has been a driving force all season and again rose to the occasion.
Meanwhile, in the Elimination Final, Cobden’s experience and class came to the fore against a gallant Camperdown outfit. The Magpies, guided well by coach Jill Leader, have enjoyed a season of growth and promise, and while their campaign ends here, the foundation has been laid for future success.
Looking ahead, the second week of finals promises even more excitement. The blockbuster 2nd Semi Final sees reigning powerhouse South Warrnambool eyeing another Grand Final berth, while Koroit will be desperate to take the next step after falling just short last year. The 1st Semi Final between Cobden and Warrnambool at Leura Oval shapes as another showcase of skill and determination, with both sides fighting to keep their seasons alive.
With junior talent shining and finals netball in full swing, the Hampden FNL netball landscape could not be in a healthier place.
