Junee Netball Club celebrates triple finals berth

THREE of Junee Netball Club’s five teams have powered into the semi-finals, capping an impressive regular season which also saw the small club claim two minor premierships.

The Junee Ex-Services Firebirds, Junee Supermix Giants and Junee QUBE Blaze will all fly the flag for Junee when the semi-finals get underway this Saturday, following a 14-round regular season.

Two will enter from the top of the ladder, with the under-12 Firebirds and under-16 Giants both claiming minor premiership honours, while the under-14 Blaze finished third to secure an elimination final berth.

For Junee Netball Club vice president Shanan Mitchell, having 60 per cent of the club’s teams still standing at the business end of the season is something worth celebrating.

“To have three out of our five teams reach the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement for our small club and something we are incredibly proud of,” Mitchell said.

“Having two of those teams also finish as Minor Premiers makes the season even more special.”

Under 12 Firebirds | Image: Supplied

Perhaps the most remarkable transformation has come from the Firebirds, whose season was in doubt before it had even begun due to a shortage of players.

The under-12 side was on the verge of being cut before enough players were found to take the court.

Fourteen rounds later, the Firebirds sit atop the competition after an outstanding regular season which yielded 13 wins from 14 games.

Under 12 Firebirds | Image: Supplied

The young Junee side has spent much of the year locked in a tight battle with the Pink Panthers, with the two teams splitting their encounters before the Firebirds narrowly prevailed in their most recent clash.

They will renew that rivalry in what shapes as a hotly contested qualifying final this weekend.

“From a team that was about to be cut due to lack of players before they even started, to becoming a team that has impressed even the die-hard netballers is a feat worth mentioning,” Mitchell said.

“The qualifying final will be electric, both teams vying for the top spot.”

Under 16 Supermix Giants | Image: Supplied

Junee’s under-16 Supermix Giants have been similarly impressive, compiling 12 wins from their 14 games on the way to finishing as minor premiers.

Mitchell said the Giants had continued to develop both individually and collectively as the season progressed, putting them in a strong position heading into their qualifying final.

“They have grown both individually and as a team, improving every week,” she said.

“Their hard work and commitment throughout the season has really paid off.

“No matter what has been thrown at them, they have kept pushing and should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

Under 16 Supermix Giants | Image: Supplied

The road to the finals has been far less straightforward for the under-14 QUBE Blaze.

Junee began the season with just seven players and no substitutes before injuries further tested the side’s depth.

But rather than derail their campaign, the challenge became a whole-of-club effort, with younger Junee players regularly stepping up to fill the gaps and help keep the Blaze on court.

Despite the setbacks, the side fought its way to third on the ladder and will enter this weekend’s elimination final with a full team, fit players and plenty of support behind them.

Mitchell said the Blaze had shown enormous resilience and determination throughout a challenging campaign.

“They enter the first round of semi-finals with a full team, super-fit players, a huge support crew and an unwavering belief in themselves, their teammates and their club,” she said.

Under 14 Blaze | Image: Supplied

Under 14 Blaze | Image: Supplied

While Junee has a proud history of competitive netball, Mitchell said having three of its five teams reach the finals, including two minor premiers, had made 2026 a particularly successful season for the club.

She said those results had also been underpinned by the many people working behind the scenes each week.

Volunteer coaches, managers and committee members, together with players’ families, sponsors and supporters, have all played their part in getting the club’s five teams onto the court throughout the season.

“We’re incredibly proud of our players, but also very grateful for the community around them that makes it possible for a small regional club like ours to continue competing and achieving these results,” Mitchell said.