Ballan under-17s end 17-year netball grand final drought
Ballan's under-17 netball team reaches a grand final for the first time since an under-13s decider in 2008.
The Ballan Blues under-17 side will face top-ranked Waubra in Saturday's Central Highlands Netball League grand final. The achievement stands out because Ballan started the finals from fifth place while battling late-season injuries and illness.
Four players stepped up to play senior B-grade matches alongside their junior team, giving them the experience that steadied them through the finals. The squad spent two years playing away while their home facilities were refurbished, making the journey to the decider even more remarkable.
Co-coach Kylie Fenwick said the appearance alone signals a bright future for the club.
- 17 years since 2008
- Drought length
- 5th place
- Ballan ladder position
- top-ranked
- Waubra position
- 4 under-17 players
- Senior players stepping up
Why it mattersThe grand final appearance is lifting community interest in local netball and shows how persistence through setbacks can pay off for regional sports.
AustraliaThe run is drawing attention to junior netball in regional Victoria and rekindling interest after facility disruptions kept the club sidelined for two years.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 d ago
