Dimboola netball coach Ant Toet estimates it has been more than 35 years since the Roos have beaten Horsham Demons in an A Grade match.

But to her side’s credit, the Roos achieved one of the upsets of the season on Saturday, knocking over the Demons 52-47.

With scores at 23-all at half-time, Dimboola was able to edge ahead in the third quarter and hang onto that lead in the last term.

Without their usual goaler Nicole Polycarpou, overseas, and young gun Indy Ward, who is expected to miss the season after injuring her knee against Ararat in round 11, Dimboola had to work hard for the win. 

“It’s been a tough sort of time for the girls because they’ve really worked hard on being there for each other, team goals and goal-setting,” Toet said.

“And then, you’ve got to deal with the stuff you can’t control – and I think that really rattled them, but to their credit ... and it was hard ... but this was awesome.

“We had a game plan and we stuck with that for the whole game.”

Toet said the wet conditions suited the Roos’ game plan. 

She said instead of playing two tall goalers, they went with Olivia Beugelaar in goal-shooter and Maddison Marra in goal-attack.

“Maddie can quite ably step into goal attack. She provides a lot of drive through the mid-court when she’s there, but she just brings another dimension when she’s that moving goal,” she said.

“It was good to be able to mix it up as well, give us something different upfront – and to keep them guessing.”

Toet said while Marra, Billie Barber in wing-attack and defender Bridget Dorrington were named in the Roos’ best, it was a true team effort.

“Every single player did their job and wore down their opponents and that was a big part of it for us – to be in it and still be in it for four quarters, and not give up,” she said.

Toet said the win provided a confidence-boost heading into finals. 

“You can’t turn up this year and just say that’s a win every game. You’ve got to work for it – and our girls know that, so it’s going to be interesting towards the last four games before finals,” she said.

Following a bye this weekend, Dimboola then plays Stawell, Warrack and Southern Mallee Thunder before finals.

In another close match in round 14, Southern Mallee Thunder defeated Ararat 43-40.

The Thunder led by eight goals at half-time before the Rats mounted a comeback, led by sisters and defence duo Paige and Faith Biddle.

But playing in front of a home crowd at Jeparit, the Thunder was able to hang on for the win, as goal-keeper Abby White and goal-shooter Emma Mill, with 22 goals, shone.

Stawell scored its second win of the season, defeating Nhill 41-33 after trailing by four at half-time.

Stawell skipper Lauren Homden in goal-defence and wing-defence Sophie Dyer were instrumental in the Warriors’ win.

For Nhill, defender Ashley Hobbs and wing-defence Ashleigh Batson were named best.

The undefeated Horsham Saints continued on their winning ways, scoring a 53-25 victory over Warrack Eagles.

The Saints host the Thunder in round 15 action, while Stawell travels to Horsham City Oval to take on a Demons team who will be hoping to bounce back after its upset loss.

Nhill and Warrack Eagles will play at Davis Park and Minyip-Murtoa, coming off a bye, will have a tough task against Ararat.

The entire July 30, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire July 30, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!