Portland’s Open netball side is making serious waves in 2025, starting the season with an impressive 4-1 record under the guidance of second-year coach Laura Kelly. The Tigers have built on their 2024 foundations, with key additions and greater cohesion helping them find early-season success.
Coach Kelly’s side has struck the right balance across the court, blending experience and emerging talent. The Tigers are playing smart, structured netball and appear to have the belief and consistency needed to mix it with the best.
Their credentials will be tested this weekend as they face ladder-leaders Warrnambool, a powerhouse outfit off to a flying start — thanks in no small part to the dominance of Eva Ryan in the goal circle. Ryan has been in outstanding form, averaging nearly 40 goals a game and proving almost unstoppable under the post. Her scoring power has been a major factor in the Blues’ unbeaten run.
Camperdown, another team on the rise, also faces a huge challenge when they meet South Warrnambool. The Magpies have shown promising signs this year and have been boosted by the form of new recruit Nell Mitchell, who has quickly become one of the league’s top shooters in 2025.
Across the league, goalers are stepping up in a big way. Koroit’s Molly McLaren and North Warrnambool’s Chelsea Quinn have both enjoyed strong starts to the season, consistently finding the net and helping their teams stay in the mix.
With so many shooters in red-hot form and upsets already shaping the ladder, Round 6 looms as a blockbuster weekend. Whether Portland and Camperdown can upset the established contenders remains to be seen — but they’re certainly ready to give it a red-hot crack
