Roos reign in grand final rematch

KANGAROO Flat delivered another timely and strong reminder of its strength and depth, outgunning Sandhurst by 10 goals in a rematch of last year’s BFNL A-grade grand finalists at the QEO.

The Roos, minus injured midcourter Chelsea Sartori and goalers Abbey Ryan and Teal Hocking, extended their current winning streak to 21 games with a polished 60-50 victory.

Five of those wins have been against the Dragons, including in last year’s grand final and second semi-final.

Last Saturday’s win was their sixth straight in meetings between the two teams, dating back to the 2025 preliminary final.

An all-the-way victory for the Roos, who led by four and three goals at the first two change of ends before pushing the margin out to 11 at three-quarter time, gave the reigning premiers two wins in five days.

They defeated Broadford 95-16 in a rescheduled round 4 clash at Marist College in Bendigo four days earlier.

2025 premiership coach Jayden Cowling praised his players’ toughness and ability to control the momentum of the game against quality opposition.

“With the players we had missing, the rest of the girls really stepped up,” he said.

“So far, so good as far our season goes considering we haven’t had Chels (Sartori) for a majority of the season and Teal as well.

“It’s given us the opportunity to try a few different combos to give girls a go.

“Ash Ryan has been playing the centre role and has been great for us, and Ella Wicks stepping up to A-grade has been playing some really nice netball.

“It’s been really nice seeing some of the girls who haven’t had much of an opportunity in A-grade in recent seasons get their chance and make the most of it.”

Among them, Ava Hamilton was a strong contributor in goals against the Dragons alongside Ruby Barkmeyer.

At the other end of the court, Ava Lowndes continued her solid form since cementing a spot in defence at the start of the season.

For the Dragons, who were missing Ruby Turner due to SSN Reserves commitments. reigning league best and fairest Shae Clifford and fellow midcourter Meg Williams combined nicely throughout the contest.

A pair of wins in the week saw the Roos jump above South Bendigo into top spot on the ladder, while Sandhurst is third, level at 3-1 with Gisborne.

Cowling said the Roos would look to carry their momentum into a round 6 clash against Golden Square at Dower Park.

Meanwhile, Sandhurst will have eyes on a move into second spot when it plays South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Gisborne moved to 3-1 with a 61-25 win against Castlemaine at Camp Reserve.

Kirby Elliott and Tilly Shepherd shone for the Bulldogs.

At Canterbury Park, Strathfieldsaye upset Eaglehawk in a thriller.

The Storm won 49-48 with Isabel Brennan and Annie Hughes in superb touch.