Kangaroos and Wombats set to battle it out for KDNL crown

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 10, 2024

Lancaster coach Michelle Hill, A-grade captain Cadi Mulholland, Girgarre A-grade captain Jacqui Gahan, and coaches Holly Nelson and Abbey Butler are ready for the grand final match-up. Photo: Supplied Photo by Supplied

Girgarre and Lancaster, the two most dominant forces in the Kyabram District League netball competition this year, will face off to decide who will fly the flag for 2024.

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Both teams finished with the same record by the season’s end (14-2), with goal percentage separating the two.

Girgarre had the better percentage (164.5), so it took the first seed heading into finals, while Lancaster placed second with a percentage of (149.66).

Neither team made the grand final last year. In fact, the Wombats didn’t make finals at all, having a miraculous turnaround from an 11th-place finish last season to a grand final appearance in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos were eliminated by Dookie United in the semi-final in 2023, but for the first time in the club’s history, the A-grade unit will have a chance to win the premiership.

Girgarre co-coach Holly Nelson is thrilled her side will have the chance to be crowned KDL champion for the first time.

Girgarre’s Holly Nelson will look to lead her side to victory on Saturday against Lancaster. Photos: Megan Fisher. Photo by Megan Fisher

“It’s really exciting to be part of a team that had so much success throughout the year and it’s great for the club to be in this position for its first grand final,” she said.

“Watching the team grow as individuals and as a team throughout the season has been great and it’s fantastic to be a part of their success.

“We have a tough game ahead of us, but even to make the grand final is an achievement in itself and it’s something that we have wanted all year, so it is exciting.”

Making the grand final is also a celebration for Lancaster’s A-grade side, as it hasn’t been in the top six in several years and is keen to hunt for an elusive premiership.

Lancaster coach Michelle Hill said being part of the side in 2024 had brought her joy and no matter the outcome against a formidable Girgarre side, the team had made long-lasting relationships.

Lancaster's goal shooter Chicquita Vick will play an important role for Lancaster in the grand final. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Lancaster has not been in the top six for a long time, and the girls are excited to be playing finals,” she said.

“The playing group gets along well on and off the court, and coaching has been an absolute pleasure.

“Win or lose on the weekend, there have been some friendships made that will be for life.

“Girgarre were in finals last year, and the girls know they will have to work hard as a team to get the win.”

The Kangaroos are also aware of the tough battle they will face on the KDL’s biggest stage, with coach Nelson highlighting the need for Girgarre to play a consistent four quarters to top the Wombats.