Colbinabbin is the Heathcote District League 2026 A-grade premier. Photo: Matthew Kappos.
For a second season running, Colbinabbin is the undefeated A-grade netball champion in the Heathcote District League.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Grasshoppers had to work hard for title number two on grand final day on Saturday, with the game against Mt Pleasant far closer than the final scoreline, 62-51, would indicate.
In fact, there was almost nothing between the two teams for three quarters, four the largest lead of the game going into the final term.
Maggie Burke leaps to disrupt Ella Kerlin’s shot. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Both teams executed expertly on attack for most of the game, and opportunities to generate turnovers and break centre pass were few and far between.
Mount Pleasant seemed to have the best of the chances to burst clear in the first half, leading by a couple of goals for significant stretches, but each time Colbinabbin was able to respond and level the game.
Kelsey Meade receives with Tanzin Myers on her back.
At halftime, we were no closer to finding an A-grade premier, the teams locked at 30-all.
Colbo looked to have finally found its winning formula, opening up a then-game high four-goal lead in the third, but the underdog Mount Pleasant wasn’t done yet, and a goal on the siren saw Mounts lead by one, 44-43, at the final break.
Matilda McIntyre uses her footwork to create a scoring opportunity ahead of defender Ivy Harrop.
Trailing with a quarter to play for the first time this season, the Hoppers needed to find an extra gear and did just that, breaking centre pass sequence at 49-47, and running away with the game late as a demoralised Mounts fell off the boil.
“We were one down at three-quarter time, so really unfamiliar territory for us,” Colbinabbin coach Jen McIntyre said.
“Super proud of how the girls rallied in the last; Mounts are an amazing team, so it was a great last quarter.”
Esther Cheatley medallist Olivia McEvoy starts a new possession from the centre.
Challenged for far longer than maybe at any point in this undefeated streak, the Hoppers had to respond to a Mounts team at its peak for most of the game.
“I thought their goalers were really accurate today and we were struggling to get rebounds,” McIntyre said.
“In the last quarter, our defenders got their hands on a few more balls, so I think that was probably the difference.”
Claudia Collins and Tanzin Myers battle for the loose ball.
Having now completed two unbeaten campaigns straight, the club will be looking back over its star-studded history books to find where this team ranks among its best A-grade outfits, although there could be more still to write in its entry.
“Olivia (McEvoy), our most experienced player says it's the best A-grade team she's ever played in, which is is very high praise because Colbo have had a lot of premierships,” McIntyre said.
“I did think back-to-back undefeated is great, but then one of the older Colbinabbin people said they won six in a row, but to be undefeated since the grand final in 2024 is pretty amazing, so very proud of them.”
Kasey Condor finds a target.
For the second year running, Matilda McIntyre won the best on court medal in the decider, her accuracy around the goal unwavering throughout the game.
“She’s the recipient of great work at the back and she’s a reliable shot, so she should be happy with that but (it’s a) team effort,” McIntyre said.
“I think you could have picked a few that were the best on.”
4°C