Collingwood has taken out the 2023 Australian Netball Championships in Morayfield after a week of competition highlighting the depth and talent of Australian netball.
DAY 7 RESULTS
Collingwood 57 defeated QBE Swifts Academy 55
The Collingwood Magpies have won the 2023 Australian Netball Championships, claiming the trophy with a two-goal win over the QBE Swifts Academy.
It was a nail-biting match with both teams fighting for the title. Collingwood bookend Jane Cook was instrumental slotting 23 goals at 100 per cent accuracy alongside Olivia Wilkinson who only missed two of her 34 shots.
While for the Swifts Alison Miller and Sophie Fawns ran the show in their attack end presenting a challenge for the Magpies defenders.
Collingwood finished the first quarter in front by a goal, however, the Swifts stepped up in the second quarter with their defensive pressure lifting across the court to lead by two at halftime.
The Swifts went on a run during the third quarter, Fawns doing a wealth of work in attack to keep the Magpies on their toes. Jessica Conlan used her speed in the midcourt to feed time and time again into the goal circle.
The Magpies battled from behind at three-quarter time.Heading into the final quarter the Magpies were down by six goals, however, the side ignited with Sophie Hanrahan getting two gains in defence, while their shooters capitalised on the opportunities that came their way.
The Collingwood outfit fought back and sealed the victory by treasuring possession to count the clock down in the final minute of play.
Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 69 defeated West Coast Fever Reserves 57
The Thunderbirds Futures finished the Championships with a bronze medal resulting from a strong outing against the West Coast Fever Reserves.
It was a tight tussle to begin the bronze medal match with the Thunderbirds Futures narrowly taking a lead at the first break.
Defenders Molly Watson and Jessie Grenvold were prolific in defence during the second quarter, combining for five gains to push their side’s lead out to 10 goals.
Fever were more competitive in the third quarter with Jordan Cransberg in wing attack working hard to feed the ball into the goal circle.
However, the Thunderbirds Futures were too good winning the quarter and then maintaining their strength in the fourth.
Victorian Fury 68 defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 45
The Fury put out a four-quarter performance against the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts to win by 23-goals in their final clash of the tournament.
Emily Andrew who would go on to be named tournament MVP, did a wealth of work in the Fury’s attack end shooting 48 goals at an accuracy of 96 per cent.
Teammate Maggie Caris set the tone with three gains during the opening quarter helping the Fury take a two-goal lead which they then pushed to six goals by halftime.
The Fury’s dominance continued during the second half with the side powering home to make the most of the Lightning Bolts’ errors.
The Victorian Fury claimed fifth place against the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts.GIANTS Netball Academy 61 defeated Firebirds Futures 56
The Firebirds Futures came onto the court firing for their match up with the GIANTS.
The side set the tone for the five-goal win early, taking advantage of their centre passes, converting 87 per cent of them.
The GIANTS worked their way back to trim the margin in the second quarter, Erin O’Brien surging in goal defence with three gains during the term.
Firebirds Futures went into the second half one-goal up with the purple donned side extending their lead in the third quarter.
Abigail Meafou was strong throughout the match and her shooting accuracy enabled the Firebirds to charge home in the final quarter.
Tasmania Wild 75 defeated Capital Darters 61
Tasmania Wild opened the final day of competition with a win.
The Darters turnovers hurt them early with the Wild taking advantage to lead by two goals at the first break.
Latika Tombs was a standout for the Darters in the second quarter with 12 feeds, the Darters sparking to draw level by halftime.
Tasmania dominated the second half of the match with back-to-back 20-goal quarters. Wild’s Shelby Miller leading the charge through the midcourt to finish the game with 44 feeds while Ashlea Mawer was a strong target in the goal circle.
Swifts' Teigan O'Shannassy intercepts a sideline ball against the Thunderbirds.
DAY 6 RESULTS
Capital Darters 67 defeated Territory Storm 39
The Darters opened Day 6 of action with their first win of the competition, defeating the Territory Storm by 28 goals.
A tight start between the two sides was quickly put to bed by a huge 19-7 second quarter from the Darters, showcasing just what they are capable of.
Despite a stronger third quarter, equaling the Darters’ output, the Storm were unable to stem the flow in the final term as the Darters ran away with an impressive win.
Storm’s Jasmyn Hewett was consistent as ever in defence with four gains (two intercepts) as Darters’ Nalani Makunde piled on 49 goals and Favour Lokudu impressed with five gains (three intercepts) in 30 minutes on court.
Firebirds Futures 59 defeated by Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 60
Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts backed up their maiden win yesterday with an impressive one-goal victory over their state rivals, Firebirds Futures.
While the Firebirds came out strong early, the Lightning Bolts refused to back down and forced errors aplenty in the typically composed Firebirds attack.
Despite an even second term, the Bolts pulled away in an impressive second half, staying one step ahead of the Firebirds to retain a seesawing lead as the going got tough.
Ash Ervin finished with six gains – including the match winner – in a consistent four-quarter effort, as Maddie Hinchliffe starred through the midcourt.
GIANTS Netball 49 defeated by Victorian Fury 53
The Fury overcame an impressive Giants comeback to claim a four-goal win, with their full court defensive pressure ultimately winning them the match.
Despite the Fury’s strong start, the Giants put in the hard yards to come back in the second to lead at half time and prove they would not go away.
The Giants drew level midway through the final term through a seven-goal run on the board, but the Fury weathered the storm to reign supreme.
Zara Walters finished with 27 goal assists for the Fury as Emily Andrew shot 33 goals at 85 percent, while Giants’ Millie Roach starred at the other end with 38 goals to her name.
West Coast Fever Reserves 47 defeated by Collingwood 60
Collingwood pulled off a four-quarter defensive effort to claim a grand final berth, downing the Fever by 13 goals.
The Fever were clinical in defence from the get-go, but had a hard time defying Collingwood’s own intimidating defensive outfit.
Despite errors costing the Magpies on more than one occasion, the Fever had their own issues with inaccuracy hurting in attack.
Brooke Allan and Zoe Davies both finished with four gains apiece as Olivia Wilkinson proved critical with 46 goals from 47 attempts.
Thunderbirds Futures 51 defeated by QBE Swifts Academy 58
The QBE Swifts Academy made it into the ANCs grand final credit to a stunning defensive showdown against the Thunderbirds Futures.
It was a physical encounter, with plenty of bodies hitting the floor as the intensity rose.
While the Thunderbirds were never out of the battle, the Swifts were undeniable and used their change of speed to apply constant pressure through the midcourt.
Teigan O’Shannassy was immense in goal keeper, shutting down Lucy Austin and finishing with seven intercepts as Sophie Fawns piled on 37 goals at 90 percent.
BYE: Tasmania Wild
Fever's Sloan Burton feeds the ball to goal shooter Jasmah Haywood.The fifth day of ANCs action provided plenty of entertainment and high stakes as matches were fought out for final pool standings.
DAY 5 RESULTS
West Coast Fever Reserves 63 defeated Victorian Fury 57
The West Coast Fever Reserves secured themselves a finals berth and ladder leading finish with an impressive six-goal win over the Victorian Fury.
While the Fury started out strongly, the Fever’s defensive pressure was spectacular as they took every opportunity to apply scoreboard pressure.
The Fury had their chances with their midcourt working in overdrive, but the Fever always maintained control despite the scoreline getting as little as two goals late in the third and final terms.
Overall, it was the Fever that took the leap to claim a critical win, as Jasmah Haywood (42 goals from 46 attempts) and Liz Dronfield (seven gains) controlled the airways.
Firebirds Futures 76 defeated Territory Storm 35
The Firebirds secured a comprehensive 41-goal victory over the Storm to close out their pool round matches.
The Storm well and truly brought the heat early, scoring the first of the game and making the most of the Firebirds’ early errors.
However, it didn’t take long doe the Firebirds to stem the flow and control the airways, dictating the Storm’s every move and continuously punishing them on the scoreboard.
The Firebirds registered 21 gains (nine intercepts) in an immense defensive effort, while the five Firebirds goalers put up a whopping 91 attempts between them.
QBE Swifts Academy 76 defeated Tasmania Wild 48
The Swifts needed a percentage boost to make finals, and a percentage boost, they got – defeating Tasmania Wild by 28 goals.
The Wild had a solid start to the match, but from the get-go struggled to impact offensively against a high-powered and strong defensive lineup.
Despite some impressive moments from the Wild outfit, the Swifts ran rampant in the final term and defied any defensive surges that came at them.
Ashlea Mawer was a shining light for Tasmania with 40 goals from 42 attempts, while the Swifts defensive dominance showed through their whopping 22 gains (13 intercepts).
Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 66 defeated Capital Darters 55
The Darters gave the Lightning Bolts an almighty scare in the second last match of the day, before the Bolts powered ahead in an impressive 19-9 final quarter.
The Bolts got away to a stellar start, putting up six goals to nil in the opening minutes before the Darters fought back.
The Darters remained well and truly in the contest through some excellent offensive pressure, however the Bolts’ defence refused to back down.
Lightning Bolts’ Ash Ervin was out hunting with five gains to her name, as Darters goal shooter Nalani Makunde put out another 40-goal haul.
GIANTS Netball Academy 41 defeated by Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 52
A hard-fought matchup closed out the ANCs pool rounds, as the Thunderbirds remained undefeated despite a fighting Giants outfit.
A tight start saw neither team able to pull ahead, however the Thunderbirds were first to settle and looked in control from then on.
Despite an improved second half from the Giants, the battle had already been won as the Thunderbirds showcased their ability to work through the challenge.
Charlie Fidler starred in goal keeper for the Giants with 10 gains (five intercepts) as Tyler Orr impressed in the Thunderbirds midcourt with 17 goal assists.
BYE: Collingwood
Collingwood's Casey Adamson intercepts a cross-court pass against the Capital Darters.Day 4 of the 2023 Australian Netball Championships featured one of the games of the tournament so far, as the Pool B ladder continues to heat up.
DAY 4 RESULTS
Collingwood 65 defeated Capital Darters 52
Collingwood got its third win on the board to start Day 4, but the Capital Darters did not make it easy for them in a topsy-turvy second half.
The Darters worked well through the Magpies’ defence early, forcing Collingwood to slow their ball movement and reducing easy avenues to goal.
However, the Pies’ defensive depth paid off with a steady rotation of fresh legs allowing them to continuously retain a solid lead.
Goal keepers Jessica Milne (Darters) and Brooke Allan (Collingwood) both showcased their ball-hunting skills with six and five gains respectively, as the Pies finished the match on 16 gains.
QBE Swifts Academy 54 defeated by Firebirds Futures 62
The game of the day was played out between the Swifts Academy and Firebirds Futures, showcasing a powerful rivalry that will surely come up again in future events.
The Firebirds got off to a quick start, relentless in their defensive approach and creative in attack to evade the Swifts’ intense pressure.
While the Swifts started each quarter well, the Firebirds were composed and took advantage of every opportunity that came their way.
The Swifts were never out of the hunt, but the Firebirds never looked like losing as they claimed an important win in the tightly contested Pool B.
GIANTS Netball Academy 55 defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 45
A big start from the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts looked positive, but the Giants ground out an impressive 10-goal win after an enormous second quarter fight back.
While Annika Lee-Jones fired early, the Bolts’ attacking third struggled to find its potency after the first half and allowed the Giants to control the airways.
Amy Sligar was a rocket through the midcourt for the Giants, while Bolts midcourter Maddie Hinchliffe returned serve well to put some hope in the Bolts camp.
However, it was the Giants that ran home with a confident victory, tidying up and forcing errors from the winless Lightning Bolts.
Tasmania Wild 63 defeated Territory Storm 25
Tasmania Wild ran rampant to claim their first win of the competition, downing Territory Storm by 38 goals.
An enormous start was key to the Wild’s impressive outing, putting up seven straight goals before the Storm could get on the board.
Despite the Storm’s best efforts defensively, they could not find a connection in the attacking third and struggled to find the post – comparatively, the Wild had plenty of confidence from range early
Ally O’Connor was superb for the Storm with 10 goal assists and two intercepts while Wild’s Ashlea Mawer shot 31 goals from 34 attempts and Hannah Lenthal impressed with six gains across wing defence and goal defence.
BYE: Adelaide Thunderbirds, Victorian Fury, West Coast Fever Reserves
Ali Miller calls for the ball in the Swift's Day 3 match against Territory Storm.Day 3 of the 2023 Australian Netball Championships saw plenty more action, with five matches playing out and a few more teams getting onto the winner’s list.
DAY 3 RESULTS
Capital Darters 47 defeated by GIANTS Netball Academy 66
It was a tight start to open the day’s matches, but a big final quarter half set up a solid win to get the GIANTS on the board.
Despite the lead changing hands multiple times in the opening quarter, the GIANTS were first to settle and did so through a 7-2 start to the second.
The Darters fought hard in the third to slow down the scoring, however the GIANTS powered ahead with a massive 21-11 final term.
GIANTS wing attack Hope White impressed with 19 goal assists before half time, while Charli Fidler and Erin O’Brien picked up five gains apiece.
West Coast Fever Reserves 57 defeated Tasmania Wild 42
The Fever Reserves were well and truly put through their paces in their third clash of the tournament, but eventually ran away with a 15-goal victory over Tasmania.
The Wild’s defensive pressure was on show from the beginning, piling on the pressure and denying easy transition down court.
However, the Fever utilised their depth well to shut down the Wild’s attacking movement and force them to slow through the midcourt.
Fever midcourter Jordan Cransberg was undeniable with 23 goal assists and three gains, while Tasmania’s Alex Vinen and Hannah Lenthal both picked up four gains apiece.
Victorian Fury 67 defeated Firebirds Futures 57
The physicality was off the charts in a huge battle between Vic Fury and Queensland Firebirds Futures, seeing the Fury come out on top by 10 goals.
Composure through messy patches was key for the Fury, who weathered everything the Firebirds threw at them early to stamp their mark on the game.
The Firebirds worked in overdrive to limit easy vision into the Fury circle, but their efforts came to fruition too little, too late as the Fury ran away with the win.
Firebirds defender Ashlee Barnett impressed with six gains while Fury attacker Claudia Mawson put up 14 goals to go with her game-high 26 goal assists.
Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 58 defeated Collingwood 49
It was a game of two halves, but the undefeated Thunderbirds did enough early to cruise over the line against the Magpies.
Sophie Casey was enormous early for the T’Birds, forcing errors through the Pies’ midcourt and applying great offensive and defensive pressure.
Despite trailing by 15 goals at half time, the Pies would not back down – sparking an impressive third quarter comeback.
However, the damage was already done as the Thunderbirds ran away with an eventual nine-goal victory off the back of another impressive Lucy Austin performance.
Territory Storm 39 defeated by QBE Swifts Academy 78
A powerful start led the Swifts Academy to their second win of the tournament, coming back fresh after a bye yesterday.
A 22-goal opener was just what the doctor ordered, applying plenty of offensive pressure on the scoreboard to go with the defensive prowess of Dakota Thomas.
The middle two quarters saw plenty of fight back from the Storm as the Swifts continued to fly down the court.
The Storm consistently improved throughout the four quarters, finding ways to post even under heavy pressure, but the Swifts’ class and composure held strong to claim the convincing win.
BYE: Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts
Emily Andrew sinks a long shot on goal against Tasmania Wild.Day 2 of the Australian Netball Championships saw some huge margins as the remaining three teams took the court for the first time.
DAY 2 RESULTS
Tasmania Wild 45 defeated by Victorian Fury 75
Vic Fury bounced back well after their Day 1 loss to record an impressive 30-goal win over Tasmania Wild.
Despite an even start between the two sides, the Fury unit was quick to adjust to the tempo of the game and controlled the airways early.
Wild utilised their aerial defence well through the midcourt to slow the Fury in transition, but had a hard time shutting down the Fury’s plethora of shooting targets.
Fury’s Taylah Brown had a field day in wing defence, contributing to the Fury’s overall dominance as they ran home with a 30-goal victory.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 49 defeated by Collingwood 61
A high-powered start saw the Pies ride out the Bolts storm to claim their second win of the tournament.
The Pies put out a defensive masterclass in the opening term to wrestle momentum, and despite some great fight attempts from the Bolts, it was Collingwood from thereon out.
The Bolts’ work ethic was non-stop, however it was the Pies’ speed in transition that was the gamechanger.
The battle between Ash Ervin (Lightning Bolts) and Olivia Wilkinson (Magpies) was one to watch, with both playing a starring role for their respective teams.
Capital Darters 35 defeated by Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 78
The Thunderbirds have continued their Day 1 form with a huge 43-goal victory over the Capital Darters.
Despite some solid defensive efforts and accuracy to post, the Darters had a tough time in transition against the strong and speedy Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds were not just comprehensive in their approach, but also consistent – almost doubling their huge 40-goal first half haul in the second half.
The Thunderbirds had no shortage of stellar moments, utilising their full squad as Molly Watson came up with six intercepts (eight gains).
Territory Storm 26 defeated by West Coast Fever Reserves 78
The West Coast Fever Reserves dominated their second clash of the tournament, gaining back some confidence with a strong performance against newcomers, Territory Storm.
Despite a goal for goal start, the Fever weathered the Storm’s hard work rate to push out to a dominant lead by half time.
The Storm worked in overdrive to find their best combination and seemed to find a bit of purchase early in the second half, stemming the Fever’s flow slightly but unable to stop them in their tracks.
The Fever’s ability to capitalise off the Territory’s error rate was critical, eventually running away with the 52-goal win as Ella Taylor dominated with five intercepts.
BYE: QBE Swifts Academy, Firebirds Futures, GIANTS Netball Academy
It was a tough battle between Sloan Burton (GA) and Lily Gribble (GD) on day one.DAY 1 RESULTS
Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 57 defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts 41
The Lightning Bolts got off to an impressive start against the reigning premiers, with plenty of familiar faces out on court for both sides.
However, the Thunderbirds asserted some dominance early in the second, piling on four straight goals early to control the flow of the game.
Thunderbirds goal keeper Jessie Grenvold and wing defence Tabitha Parker were crucial in the third quarter, forcing Lightning centre Ava Black to do much of the attacking heavy lifting.
Despite the closeness of the contest early, the Thunderbirds reigned supreme with an outstanding 22-10 final quarter effort to storm home with the win.
Victorian Fury 54 defeated by QBE Swifts Academy 66
The second clash of the day was a battle of the traditional rivals in Victoria and NSW, and it did not disappoint.
A high scoring start from both sides promised plenty of attacking intensity, with neither side giving an inch in the opening term.
The Fury were unafraid of making changes, but the evasiveness of Ali Miller in the Swifts Academy goal circle was undeniable, allowing the goal shooter to continuously find the post.
The Swifts' full court defence was a key highlight, with clinical circle entries key. For the Fury, Emily Andrew was a key target at the post.
Collingwood 57 defeated GIANTS Netball Academy 51
The third game of the day saw a huge workrate all round, with all areas of the court standing up throughout the match.
The first half was all GIANTS Academy, holding strong early to find Millie Roach with ease as goal keeper Erin O'Brien did a power of work in defence.
But Collingwood refused to back down, despite misfeeds allowing the GIANTS to hold onto the lead, before drawing level late in the third quarter.
Injury to high-scoring goal shooter Jane Cook changed up the Pies' approach to their attack in the final quarter, eventually claiming the win off the back of a 16-10 term.
Firebirds Futures 60 defeated West Coast Fever Reserves 56
Another see-sawing match played out to finish a huge opening day, with the Firebirds Futures getting over the line against the Fever Reserves.
Both teams took turns holding the lead, with no easy wins coming for either side as the Fever held strong in the first half.
Fever defender Liz Dronfield impressed with five gains in 41 minutes on court, however the Firebirds would not let that stop them from hitting the front.
Midcourt defensive efforts from Leesa Mi Mi and Jess Laga'aia showed the Firebirds' dash and dare, seeing the home side come away with an important four-goal win.
BYE: Tasmania Wild, Northern Territory Storm, Capital Darters
