Grand Finals are the great step into the unknown when the best two teams go head to head and small moments have big consequences. Monbulk Gold had gone through the season with just a single loss although their opponents on Saturday, Pakenham Maroon, weren’t far behind. During the past year Monbulk had won both home and away encounters but the margins were only narrow, with wins by four and seven goals respectively.

The girls had reached the finale last year in a superb effort and were looking to go one step further. Bonnie has been a brilliant coach for the side and was recently recognised as the 2026 Outer East Junior Netball coach of the year.

A good contingent of Monbulk supporters rolled up for the early 8.30am start at Healesville under overcast skies, adding colour and making plenty of noise. Monbulk got out to an early lead before the Lions pegged them back to 12 all early in the second term with the goal shooters of both teams being deadly accurate. From that point on the Hawks played scintillating netball, causing turnovers on all parts of the court along with Ruby and Indi regularly intercepting on the last line of defence.

Great ball movement through the mid court gave Eden and Amelia plenty of opportunities and they made them count on the scoreboard. Monbulk led by 4 goals at half time, stretching that to 12 by the three quarter break and were unrelenting to the finish, coming away with an impressive 17 goal win. This is Monbulk’s fifth netball premiership following A Grade (2006), B Grade (2008, 2025) and D Grade (2025) flags previously.

Under 15 Netball was introduced in 2019 with the Premier Division having been won by the powerful South East clubs up until last year. Monbulk’s win marks the first time that a former YVMDFL club had claimed a title at this level.

Monbulk Gold 39 def Pakenham Maroon 22
Best: Ruby Irwin (Best On Court), Eden Murphy, Indiana Kirk
Goals: Eden Murphy, Amelia Magarry