By Blake Metcalf-Holt
Players were officially welcomed into the new season by heading straight into the storm, with Round 1 played in severe conditions across the region.
Rain, hail and gale-force winds impacted netball leagues everywhere, and the Gippsland League was no exception as clubs battled difficult conditions to open the 2026 season.
For the most part, results picked up where they left off in 2025.
Moe opened its campaign in style, defeating Leongatha 61-44 at Leongatha Recreation Reserve.
As expected so early in the season, the reigning three-time premier fielded a different-looking side, with injuries and unavailability seeing the workload spread across grades. Despite that, the Lions still boasted plenty of quality, including player-coach Alex Moody, Jordan Pyle, Olivia Barnett, Maci Gardiner and shooting star Ash Mawer from last year’s premiership team.
First-year senior netballer Lexi Micallef, Imogen Smith and returning premiership player Emma McMillan also took the court.
The contest was relatively tight early, with Moe leading by five goals at quarter time, before the Lions delivered their trademark scoring burst. Moe exploded in the second quarter, outscoring Leongatha 22-5 to take a commanding advantage into halftime.
That decisive 15-minute stretch proved enough to carry the Lions through to the finish.
Barnett and Alex Moody were outstanding, while Mawer poured in 45 goals. For Leongatha, Nicola Marriott marked her 200th A Grade game and was among the Parrots’ best alongside Lauren Redpath and Ashlyn Pavey.
Morwell and Wonthaggi could not be split, playing out a gripping 44-all draw at Morwell Recreation Reserve.
After very different preseasons, both sides entered the clash with questions around where they stood, but by the final whistle neither could gain the upper hand.
Morwell led by two goals at quarter time before Wonthaggi lifted the intensity, with halftime arriving locked at 21-all. The contest remained tight throughout the second half, with Morwell holding a one-goal lead at the final break before Wonthaggi surged late to almost steal the result.
In the end, neither side was willing to give way.
Tigers captain Chloe Radford, Kelly Altmann and Claire Marks were strong contributors for Morwell, while Isabella Bettridge added 30 goals. Wonthaggi was well served by Chelsea Bowman, Kathryn Scott and Charlie Berry, who finished with 35 goals.
At Traralgon, Bairnsdale spoiled the Maroons’ home opener under lights, winning 32-28 at Traralgon Showgrounds.
The youthful Traralgon side showed promising signs early, but a decisive 12-5 second quarter from the Redlegs proved the difference. Conditions worsened as the match wore on, with the weather making life difficult for both teams and restricting scoring in the third quarter to just four goals apiece.
Although Traralgon won the final term by a goal, the damage had already been done.
Returning star and captain Stacey Jacobsen led the way through the midcourt for the Maroons, with Indiana de Dios and debutant Marley Wallace also impressing. For Bairnsdale, Alison Dwyer, Anna Mooney and Sally Deller stood out, with Mooney finishing with 24 goals.
In the remaining Round 1 matches, Maffra claimed derby honours over Sale with a 39-33 win, while Drouin made a powerful statement on Sunday afternoon, defeating previous grand finalist Warragul 72-46.
Photo: Andrew Day
