Four Wimmera league netballers have been selected in the squads for the 2025 Victorian netball teams.

The 50-player squads will undertake trials in coming weeks before being narrowed down to teams of 12.

In the 17 and under squad is Horsham Saints A Grade defender Maddison Bethune and Ararat 15 and under player Bridie Price.

While the 19 and under squad features Saints A Grade sharp shooter Jorja Clode, who also plays for Bendigo Strikers’ 23 and under side in the Victorian Netball League, and Dimboola defender Indy Ward.

Former Horsham Demons player Eva Manserra, now playing in Ballarat, was selected in the 19 and under squad, while Donald’s Addison Funcke was also selected in the 17 and under team.

Clode returned for the Saints in Wimmera league A Grade action at the weekend, shooting 70 goals in the reigning premiers’ 52-goal win against Ararat.

It was not the only one-sided match in round 14, as Dimboola had a solid 23-goal victory over Warrack Eagles.

The Roos were nine goals ahead at the last change, but hit their straps in the fourth quarter to pile on 20 goals to the home side’s six.

Dimboola goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou led the way with 29 as Olivia Beugelaar switched from defence into goal attack in the second half as the Roos used the substitute rule to its full advantage.

Horsham scored a comfortable win against Nhill, building on a 10-goal lead at halftime to eventually run out 18-goal winners.

Demons goalshooting gun Imogen Worthy, with 41 goals, combined well with goal attack Georgia Batson to lead the way.

For the Tigers, Larnie Hobbs, in goal keeper, and Ashleigh Batson, wing defence, were named the best.

Keeping its finals hopes alive, Minyip-Murtoa was too good for Southern Mallee Thunder at Hopetoun.

The Burras led at every change as midcourter Tamika Mentha inspired her team to a 55-46 win. Minyip-Murtoa sit in fifth spot, on the same points as Stawell, in sixth, so the remaining four games will be crucial for both sides.

In round 16 this Saturday, Dimboola will host the Thunder, Ararat will travel to Minyip to face the Burras, Nhill play Warrack Eagles, and Stawell will need a big effort to knock over the Demons.

– Lauren Henry

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