Sport

3 October, 2025

Premiers

CAMPERDOWN brought home the 13 and under reserves netball premiership last Friday after a thrilling come-from-behind win over South Warrnambool.

The scores were tied at 14-all at full time, then tied at 16 all after the initial five minutes of extra time.

After South Warrnambool hit the front, the young Magpies took over to register a memorable 19-17 win.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the girls, they stuck to our game plan, kept their composure, and most importantly trusted each other every step of the way,” Camperdown co-coach Nell Blake said.

“The defensive pressure across the whole court was incredible and made it so hard for South to find easy goals.”

Co-coach Lauren Murphy added that the team’s fighting spirit kept them in the game.

“Every single player gave absolutely everything on every possession, and that fight and determination is what kept us in it.

“That kind of heart is what makes this team so special.”

Holding their nerve after being still tied after the initial five minutes of extra time was crucial.

“They showed great composure under pressure, they just kept playing our game instead of panicking.

“They were more composed than the coaches,” Murphy said.

Playing extra time was a new experience for the Magpies.

“We have never spoken about overtime with the girls before and lots of the girls were unsure what it was, all they needed to know was that they had to keep playing until we got up,” Blake said.

“It was tense, we trusted the team to respond, they were extremely calm going back out onto the court, they weren’t overthinking.”

Things did get tense when South Warrnambool hit the front in the second period of extra time.

“When South hit the front, of course the nerves kicked in, but we always knew that the girls could do it,” Murphy said.

“We knew the girls had the fight in them, so it was about us staying calm to make sure they stayed composed, that they knew not to panic, that they trusted that if we came forward and chased everything up, their pressure, and their belief in each other they could turn it back around, and that’s exactly what they did.”

Getting back in front became all about teamwork and determination.

“Our mid-court’s quick transitions and ball-winning efforts created crucial opportunities, while our defenders’ relentless pressure, intercepts, and rebounds disrupted South’s rhythm,” Blake said.

“Every player contributed, keeping their energy high, supporting each other, and making smart decisions under pressure.”

Goal shooter Ruby Johnston’s game drew praise from Murphy.

“Up front, our shooters took their chances and converted when it counted, and Ruby’s ability to secure the ball gave the team the confidence to keep pushing forward.

“It was that combination of trust, effort, and composure that turned the game back in our favour.”

Camperdown hadn’t beaten South Warrnambool in 2025, making the win even more memorable.

“We’ve improved every time we’ve played them, and on Friday it all came together,” Murphy said.

“The girls just didn’t give up, they weren’t disheartened by our semi-final loss and I think that losing that game was actually a great motivator for the girls.”

Blake agreed that the team had grown in confidence from their previous encounters.

“They knew we could get them, we only went down by three goals last time and that was the closest we have been to South, but being up for the majority of that game the girls knew that it was achievable and it made them work so much harder at trainings and game day to prove that they could.”

Centre player Zoe Unwin was named best on court in the win.

“Zoe was so reliable at both ends, calm, composed, and smart, she had an impact in every part of the game, she would be a back-up, then be straight onto the drive,” Blake said.

“Her defensive pressure was a highlight of this game, especially on the ring, making a swing for South more difficult.”

Best on court Zoe Unwin.

Reagan Webb also played a starring role in the win.

“Reagan was outstanding, strong in every contest, she really showed her level head and strength in overtime,” Blake said.

“She was our key to getting that win, she had a hand to the ball and boxed out her player for the rebounds like a dream, it’s something she has been working on, and she should be extremely proud of her game.”

Murphy also was full of praise for Webb’s pivotal performance.

“It’s the best she’s played all season, and it was a great game to pull out all the stops and perform like that.”

Pippa Murphy rounded out the Magpies best players.

“Pippa’s energy through the middle really drove us forward, her push to drive the ball down really helped the attacking end,” Blake said.

“We had a focus to make sure the attacking end weren’t having to do every second pass and tiring themselves out, and Pip was able to make that change for us.”

Blake added that Murphy had worked really hard on improving her game.

“Pippa has been working really hard on her footwork and getting in front and around her player which showed in the game with multiple intercepts down court and in the ring.”

Blake was quick to add that the win had contributions from every player.

“Honestly, it was a full team effort – every player had big moments that mattered.

“Whether it was a crucial intercept, a rebound under pressure, a perfectly timed pass, or simply the composure to slow the game down when we needed it, each girl played her part.”

The one percenters and team play also were vital in securing the premiership.

“Those little moments added up and kept us in the contest when it could have gone either way,” Blake said.

“What made it so special was that no one tried to do it alone, they trusted each other, backed each other, and lifted when the team needed them most.”

Murphy added that the bench players also played an important part.

“Our bench was amazing too, always engaged, lifting the team.

“We’d discussed the role of a bench player at training, watching your opponent, talking to the girls and lifting up others on the court, every one of them played their role on the day.”

As for the excitement after the siren, Blake said it was an emotional moment.

“Pure joy, the girls have worked so hard and deserved it, I think it has finally sunk in what they have actually achieved and they should be so proud.

“There were lots of hugs, smiles, and maybe even a few happy tears.

“Friday night back at the clubrooms was a fantastic occasion.

“We celebrated together as a team with family and supporters. It was really special back at the club for dinner and presentations,” Blake said.

“Nell has had her medal in her handbag all week, and has watched the highlight reel at least once a day.

“Still can’t get over that we actually did it!” Murphy laughed.