Netball: Junee Giants crowned premiers after extra-time thriller

JUNEE has capped a remarkable netball season with a premiership after the under-16 Supermix Giants staged a stunning grand final fightback to snatch a one-goal victory in extra time.

Three Junee Netball Club teams took to the court on Saturday, September 19, with the Giants emerging as 2026 premiers following a thrilling 34-33 victory over Uranquinty.

The under-12 Ex-Services Firebirds fell agonisingly short by a single goal against the Pink Panthers, while the under-14 QUBE Blaze went down 31-20 to Reddies after keeping pace with their opponents for much of the contest.

It brought to a close a standout season for the small club, which fielded five teams in 2026 and sent three into the finals.

The Firebirds and Giants both finished the 14-round regular season as minor premiers, before all three Junee finalists won their opening semi-finals to continue their campaigns.

But it was the Giants who ensured Junee finished the season with a premiership, completing a remarkable comeback after at one stage finding themselves seven goals behind.

Image: Junee Netball Club

The under-16 decider was tightly contested from the opening whistle before Uranquinty began to pull away, establishing a seven-goal advantage during the third quarter.

Faced with a sizeable deficit and their season on the line, Junee refused to let the contest slip away.

The Giants steadily chipped into the margin, backing each other under pressure before drawing level at 29-all when the final whistle sounded.

With nothing separating the two sides, the premiership would be decided by another 10 minutes of netball.

The drama continued in extra time, with Junee again forced to come from behind after falling two goals down during the second half of the additional period.

Once more, the Giants responded.

Keeping their composure as the pressure mounted, Junee overturned the deficit and edged ahead to seal an extraordinary 34-33 victory and the 2026 premiership.

Junee Netball Club praised the determination and resilience shown by the side to recover from seven goals down and prevail in a grand final it described as one that would be remembered for a long time.

“The composure, determination and fight these girls showed right until the final whistle was something special to watch,” the club said.

“From seven goals down to premiers, what a display of determination, resilience and belief in each other.”

Firebirds fall one goal short

Earlier, the under-12 Ex-Services Firebirds came within a solitary goal of victory in another gripping contest against the Pink Panthers.

Little separated the two teams, with Junee remaining in the fight until the end before Panthers prevailed 29-28.

It brought to an end an outstanding campaign for a Firebirds outfit whose season had begun under vastly different circumstances.

The team had been at risk of being cut before the season due to a shortage of players, but went on to become minor premiers after winning 13 of its 14 regular-season matches.

Junee U12 Ex-Services Firebirds | Image: Junee Netball Club

Their rivalry with the Panthers proved one of the stories of the year, including Junee’s dramatic 32-30 qualifying final victory after two periods of extra time earlier in the finals series.

While the final result did not fall their way on Saturday, the club said the young players could be proud of their development and determination throughout 2026.

“The girls stayed in the fight the entire game, despite every challenge thrown their way,” the club said.

“They should walk away with their heads held high — not only for today, but for the effort, growth and determination they’ve shown all season.”

Blaze battle to the end

The under-14 QUBE Blaze also entered their grand final as underdogs against Reddies and ensured their opponents had to work for the title.

Junee remained within striking distance for three quarters before Reddies broke away in the final term to claim a 31-20 victory.

It capped a resilient season for a Blaze side which began the year with only seven players and no substitutes and was forced to contend with injuries throughout the campaign.

Players from Junee’s younger teams regularly stepped up to help keep the Blaze on court, with the side overcoming those challenges to finish third during the regular season before fighting its way through the finals.

Junee U14 QUBE Blaze | Image: Junee Netball Club

The club described Saturday’s performance as a valiant effort from a team which had displayed determination throughout the year.

“They fought hard, played with heart and never gave up,” the club said.

“They matched it with them for three quarters, keeping the game incredibly close.”

The club congratulated its players, coaches, managers, parents, supporters and volunteers for their contribution throughout the year.

“Today was about so much more than the scoreboard, it was about teamwork, resilience, determination and representing Junee with pride.”