Netball
24 July, 2026
Battle for finals intensifies
Three A grade netball teams have secured their spots in this year’s Horsham District Football Netball League finals series, but a thrilling battle for the remaining two spots looks set to play out over the final four rounds.
Laharum, Noradjuha Quantong and Edenhope Apsley have undoubtedly been the top three teams this year and look set to finish that way.
Fourth-placed Kalkee are likely to make finals if they continue their recent from.
But it’s the battle for fifth spot that remains the most uncertain, with four teams on 24 points.
Kaniva Leeor United currently hold fifth at the moment thanks to their 110.56 percentage, followed by Harrow Balmoral (101.15), Pimpinio (95.19) and Natimuk United (91.50).
Here’s my prediction for the remainder of the home-and-away season and the final standings leading into the finals.
First: Laharum
(15 wins, 60 points)
The inclusion of recruits Ilze Van Zyl and Jaspa Robinson and the return of Caitlin Jones-Story quickly saw the Demons become the team to beat in 2026.
The only blip of their season was a 40-36 loss to Kalkee in round 10, but the Demons have bounced back to their best form since and will enter the finals as the premiership favourites.
Looking ahead: Kaniva Leeor (W), bye, Swifts (W), Harrow Balmoral (W)
Second: Edenhope Apsley
(14 wins, 1 draw, 58 points)
The Saints have backed up their 2025 grand final appearance with another strong season, with their eight-goal loss to Laharum in round nine their only defeat of the season to date.
The Edenhope side have continued to flourish in the back half of the season, highlighted by impressive performances from shooter Dee Dee Lambert.
This week’s game against Noradjuha Quantong is likely to determine if they finish second or third.
Looking ahead: Noradjuha Quantong (W), Swifts (W), Harrow Balmoral (W), Natimuk United (W)
Third: Noradjuha Quantong
(13 wins, 1 draw, 54 points)
The Bombers have taken the leap into genuine premiership contention, highlighted by the inclusion of key recruits, along with their pre-existing core of players.
Already boasting a premiership-level defence, the Bombers could see themselves playing in the premiership decider if their offence continues to flourish.
Looking ahead: Edenhope Apsley (L), bye, Kalkee (W), Taylors Lake (W)
Fourth: Kalkee
(11 wins, 44 points)
After multiple tight losses early in the year the Kees' finals chances were put into question, but last year’s preliminary finalists have won six out of their last seven and should finish fourth based on current form.
While in-game consistency has hurt the side on occasion, their victory over Laharum demonstrated they can compete against the best sides in the competition.
Looking ahead: Rupanyup (W), Kaniva Leeor (W), Noradjuha Quantong (L), Swifts (W)
Fifth: Pimpinio
(9 wins, 36 points)
The Tigers have been one of the feel-good stories of 2026 and are a legitimate chance of going from 11th in 2025 to a finals position this season.
Along with the improvement of their young players, recruits Tahlia Thompson, Victoria Taylor and Keely Pope have transformed the team.
Despite some recent losses, a strong run home could see the Tigers playing in late August.
Looking ahead: Taylors Lake (W), bye, Rupanyup (W), Kaniva Leeor (W)
Sixth: Kaniva Leeor United
(7 wins, 28 points)
Another big riser from last season, the Cougars have been competitive in just about every game they have played this year.
Like Pimpinio, some close losses in recent rounds have made their finals push a bit tougher in the run home.
With the strongest percentage of the 24-point teams, the last round game against Pimpinio could decide who takes the fifth spot.
Looking ahead: Laharum (L), Kalkee (L), Taylors Lake (W), Pimpinio (L)
Seventh: Harrow Balmoral
(7 wins, 28 points)
After a 1-6 start to the year, the Southern Roos have surged in the back half of the season to give themselves a chance at finals, including with wins against Pimpinio and Kaniva Leeor.
While their form has been strong, they will likely need an upset win over either Edenhope Apsley or Laharum to play finals netball.
Looking ahead: bye, Natimuk (W), Edenhope Apsley (L), Laharum (L)
Eighth: Natimuk United
The Rams have showcased that their late-season surge in 2025 was no fluke, with some crucial recent wins keeping them in the hunt.
The inclusions of Beth Sudholz and Stacey Hopwood have been instrumental in the side’s development.
While they are a good chance of getting at least two more wins to finish the season, their percentage may work against them.
Looking ahead: Swifts (W), Harrow Balmoral (L), bye, Edenhope Apsley (L)
Out of contention: Taylors Lake, Rupanyup and Swifts