Swans on song, while Hoppers, Lions win thrillers in round nine KDL netball action

By Alexander Dabb

Jun 15, 2025

Avenel’s Sophie Reynolds looks for a teammate during the Swans’ big win over Lancaster. Photo by Megan Fisher

Avenel’s bid for a spot in the 2025 Kyabram District League A-grade netball top six remains on pace following round nine, with the Swans comfortably accounting for 2024 grand finalist Lancaster away from home.

Lancaster’s Karla Ryan studies the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Swans proved too classy for their opponent at Lancaster Recreation Reserve on Saturday, storming to a commanding 45-28 victory to improve to 5-3 from eight games, including a 4-1 record in their past five outings, to sit fifth at the midway point of the season.

Avenel’s Ebony Heers gets things moving through the midcourt. Photo by Megan Fisher

With a touch of good fortune, the Swans could arguably be in the top three mix, given the combined margin across their three losses this season is six goals, with their competitiveness to this point a strong sign they will be there or thereabouts when the whips are cracking.

Lancaster’s Emma Roberts watches the ball safely into her hands. Photo by Megan Fisher

On the other hand, the loss continues Lancaster’s mediocre first half of the season, with the narrow defeat in last year’s decider looking a long way from where the Wombats find themselves in 2025.

Avenel’s Madie Richards lunges at a Lancaster pass. Photo by Megan Fisher

With three wins to their name through nine rounds, the Wombats are in a battle to make the top six, currently in ninth and trailing sixth-placed Tallygaroopna by a game and percentage.

Lancaster’s Lexi Thomas receives the ball on the run. Photo by Megan Fisher

Across the other Saturday fixtures, Murchison-Toolamba pulled off a thrilling one-goal win over Undera, claiming the win 51-50 to leap to seventh on the ladder, possessing a 4-5 record through nine rounds.

Avenel’s Madi Albers lines up a shot on goal. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Hoppers have shown they know how to win close ones this season, having also knocked off Avenel in round seven by a goal, and will look to even up their record at 5-5 this week when they take on Tallygaroopna.

Lancaster’s Jadeja Davies finds space on the court. Photo by Megan Fisher

Stanhope is also knocking on the door of the top six following a nail-biting three-goal victory over Longwood at Stanhope Recreation Reserve, clinching a 41-38 victory to square up their win-loss record at 4-4 from eight games, while Nagambie continued its strong run of form with a 54-42 victory over Merrigum, extending its win streak to seven to consolidate second spot on the ladder behind Shepparton East.

On Sunday, Girgarre hosted Rushworth at Girgarre Recreation Reserve in a top four showdown, while Shepparton East played host to Violet Town at Central Park Recreation Reserve, although results were unavailable at time of print.