Eagles reach 10th straight Grand Final after one-sided Prelim win

NEWTOWN & Chilwell is through to its third Geelong Netball League Grand Final in three years, defeating South Barwon in this afternoon’s (Saturday, September 21) Preliminary Final against South Barwon.

The Eagles led at every change to defeat South Barwon 42-60 and book its spot in Friday’s GNL Grand Final against St Joseph’s.

Newtown opened the contest with a 16-9 quarter to gain the early advantage, before expanding its lead to nine points at half time as both sides mounted attacks.

The Eagles didn’t slow down in the third quarter, adding 16 points and leading by double digits with 15 minutes to go.

Newtown against outscored South Barwon in the fourth to conclude the afternoon with an 18-goal win, securing its 10th straight Grand Final appearance and a shot at a record eighth GNL flag.

Mikaela Vaughan played a pivotal role around the net with a game-high 44 goals, while skipper Julia Woolley added 16 goals.

South Barwon goalers Ellen Doyle and co-captain Olivia Cameron contributed 30 and 12 scores respectively.

South Barwon’s exit comes after another great year, finishing the campaign with 14 wins and three losses to secure a top three finish.

Newtown & Chilwell and St Joseph’s meet next Friday at Kardinia Park in this year’s decider.

Newtown is looking for its first A Grade flag since 2019 and St Joseph’s is looking to do the same for the first time since 2008.

The A Grade Grand Final is scheduled to begin at 3.15pm.