GFNL Senior A Grade Netball - Race to Finals
With six rounds left of the GFNL A Grade Netball competition, we take a look at the race toward finals. Every game is critical, and for those that are far up on form, it’s about securing that top spot. This piece looks at the 2022 finals contenders.
Newtown & Chilwell
They have only lost one game in three years. Their unbeaten record finally came to an end this year by a determined St Albans. Since their defeat, they haven’t missed a step. They currently hold the top spot on the ladder, but there are still five matches to play including the bye and they are only ahead of Colac and St Albans by four points. They vs St Albans in Round 15 and Colac in Round 18. These games will shape the top spot.
The Run Home: Leopold, Geelong West, St Albans, Bye, St Mary’s, Colac
Colac
Currently in second place on percentage, the Tigers have had a consistent season all year. Their biggest win was against St Albans. It was the round after the Supersaints defeated the Eagles. Colac’s losses have come from a formidable South Barwon in Round 9, and Newtown & Chilwell in Round 5. The Tigers’ run home is tough, but that minor premiership is well within reach. However, they will have to beat the Swans in Round 16 and knock off the ladder leaders in Round 18 if they want the week off come finals time.
The Run Home: St Mary’s, Bell Park, Leopold, South Barwon, Lara, Newtown & Chilwell
St Albans
The Supersaints stunned the GFNL A Grade Senior Netball competition when the Eagles fell to them in Round 4. The convincing win saw St Albans as the new team beat, but they then suffered losses two weeks in a row. Their first shock loss came from Geelong West in Round 5, followed by Colac in Round 6. These losses have seemed to humble St Albans as they have been solid ever since. They have a few challenges in the following weeks, but much like Colac, that top spot is still up for grabs.
The Run Home: Bell Park, Leopold, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bye, Geelong West
South Barwon
One game separates the Swans from Colac and St Albans. South Barwon is another flag contender, but they will want to remain vigilant as teams become more desperate each round. In Round 3, the Swans had their first loss against a convincing St Joseph’s. Like many, they were also unable to rise to the challenge of Newtown and Chilwell. The following week they fell to St Albans but bounced back in Round 9 to beat Colac. The Swans have already had the bye and being six points ahead of Geelong West, they have a good run home with Colac being the hardest of the bunch. Still, no wins are guaranteed.
The Run Home: Lara, St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, Colac, Leopold, Bell Park
Geelong West
It’s been an interesting season for Geelong West. They managed to collect a huge scalp early this season with a win over St Albans but haven’t beaten any other team higher than their current ladder position. So far, the Giants have fallen to Colac, Newtown & Chilwell, St Joseph’s, South Barwon, and drew with Bell Park. They have a mixed run home of games they should win but the pressure will be on to maintain their fifth spot. With upcoming games of having to face St Alban and Newtown & Chilwell, their resolve will be tested.
The Run Home: Grovedale, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bell Park, St Joseph’s, St Albans
St Joseph’s
With defeats over South Barwon and Geelong West, Joey’s are every chance to sneak into the fifth position. However, St Joseph’s has not had a good run in recent games. If they have a sudden change in luck next weekend, they are every chance to play in the Finals. Another win over South Barwon would make the perfect start. Their run home also looks easier than most.
The Run Home: Bye, South Barwon, Grovedale, St Mary’s, Geelong West, Lara
Bell Park
After a tough road through the beginning of the season, Bell Park managed to pinch some decent wins in the second act. They just got over St Joseph’s by one goal, a draw against Geelong West, and two very convincing wins over Leopold and St Mary’s. They do have an extremely difficult run home. They will have St Albans, Colac, Geelong West, and South Barwon to contend with. If the Dragons make Finals, they deserve to be there.
The Run Home: St Albans, Colac, Bye, Geelong West, Grovedale, South Barwon
