Every match for the round was played on Wednesday night in front of an excited crowd and was a sight to see with new look line-ups across the board.
West Coast Warriors 62 defeat Rangers 41
All eyes were on the first Open League game of the season, with the West Coast Warriors exciting new squad facing the young and talented Rangers side.
Both teams started hard with an incredibly competitive first quarter that saw the Rangers up by one at quarter time.
Scarlet Jauncey donned the purple dress for the first time, joining her sister Jamaica on either end of the court.
The Warriors found their momentum in the back end of the second quarter, Honey Harrington showed off her speed and agility to be an asset around the circle.
The Rangers didn’t go down easily, with Tayla Styles ability to be a defensive centre crucial to the mid court and Grace Jooste finding an incredible save for an out of court ball.
The third quarter belonged to the Warriors, the side maintained their control for a 21-goal win, with Jamaica Jauncey taking home 37 goals on her own.
Rewatch on Streamer.
Sharks 64 defeat Comets 45
Round One was a huge game for these two sides, with the Fremantle Sharks (third place) finishing directly under the Comets (runners up) on the ladder in 2024. Both teams were keen to test their brand of netball after an intense pre-season.
Sloan Burton was out on court in the orange dress for the first time since returning from the UK, scoring 16-goals for the side next to Madeleine Ash (20) and Emma Cosh (nine).
Kasey Ridout made her debut for the Sharks, capping one of her career best games with 46 goals, joined by Sophie Eastaugh (14) and her long-range accuracy in the circle.
Comet Clara Wigley made her start in Wing Defence before moving into the Centre bib, facing off against shark Ella Eastaugh, two fast and adaptable mid-courters.
Sharks captain Jessica Penny was a force in Goal Keeper, going for ball anytime it was near her.
After an 11-goal lead in the first quarter, another five-goal win in the third consolidated the Sharks win and cemented the idea that 2025 is anybody’s competition.
Watch the replay on Streamer.
Western Roar 76 defeat and Jets 14
The reigning premiers stepped out on court with dominance in mind, the Western Roar firing from the start.
2024 Jill McIntosh Medallist Caitlyn Brown was continuously impressive in the Goal Defence bib, leaving no room for error for the Jets.
You cannot go past Roar’s Sophia Lamers who produced a massive 60 goals in Goal Shooter. Joined by Asha Parsons (16) the side were unstoppable.
Although a tough game for the Jets, the side pushed through until the end. Captain Elycee Webb was fast, agile and essential in the centre bib.
Recruit Maddie Grant took home seven-goals, staple to the side Rylee Hall had four and young gun Lily Gilsenan came on from the bench to score three.
Southside Demons 57 defeat Peel Lightning 36
A face-off that both sides were looking forward to, the Lightning and Demons clash was an exciting display of how quickly momentum can change.
Lightning came out of the gate firing, leading by four at quarter time, but it was enough to kick the Demons into action, who went on to win the next three quarters.
Lightning’s Chelsea Cook managed 27 goals alongside Rebecca Lill’s four, whilst Marene Peyper returned to the League with five goals.
Demons shooting responsibilities were spread, with the side developing many versatile players. Georgia Pitt (25) held the Goal Shooter bib for the first three quarters, whilst Brooke Gibson (15), Meg Gallager (14) and Georgia Ettridge (three) all contributed to the sides win.
Demon Montana Turnbull faced off with Lightning’s Charlotte Moreschini in the centre bib, both players able to work their way around the court quickly.
Round Two takes place on Wednesday, 13 March at Gold Netball Centre. Watch the replay on Streamer.
