It’s all come down to this.
After a season of thrilling clashes, fierce rivalries and showstopping performances, the 2025 Netball NSW Premier League Grand Finals are set to light up Ken Rosewall Arena this Sunday 3 August 2025.
The Open division final is a battle of titans, as ladder leaders North Shore United take on second-placed Manly Warringah Sapphires in a rematch that has all the makings of a classic. These two sides split their regular season meetings—with the Sapphires claiming a narrow 48–46 win in Round 11 and North Shore United edging them out by just one goal in the semi-final. With only a single point separating the teams on the final ladder, the Grand Final is anyone’s game.
For North Shore United, this Grand Final is more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a celebration of consistency, commitment, and culture. Sarah Corfield has been with the franchise since its Premier League inception, proudly marking 10 years of service in 2025, while captains Eliza Burton and Charlotte Raleigh have been members for eight years.
“Making a grand final is always a privilege but also a testament to the hard work we have put in,” said North Shore United Captain Eliza Burton.
“I think this year was extra challenging given we had a lot of people in and out with other representative honours which makes getting into a grand final extra special. Now in its 10th year, the competition has reached new heights—testing our limits and showcasing the resilience, dedication, and unity that define NSU.”
United have been tested this season. From a tight Round 8 win over South Coast Blaze to a 49–46 loss against eventual minor premiers South West Mounties MAGIC in Round 10, the road has been far from smooth. But their ability to respond under pressure and share responsibility across a dynamic team of 12 has been their trademark.
“We are all really excited and feeling positive heading into the grand final,” Burton added.
“We are lucky that we have a strong team of 12, that each person brings something different which has been a real asset to us this season and I think this is a strength of ours for the final. At North Shore United, when one commits, we all do—because above all, we are a team.”
As for their opponents, the Manly Warringah Sapphires bring with them not just form, but legacy.
Premiers in both 2017 and 2023, and finalists in almost every season since the league’s inception, the Sapphires are one of Premier League’s most consistent forces. The team began their 2025 campaign by winning the HeartKids Cup, setting the tone for a confident and composed season.
Sapphires Head Coach Mel Clarke credits her team’s resilience as a driving force.
"I think that the belief has certainly been present within the team from the beginning, and the challenges we have overcome together throughout the season have contributed to the resilience and positive mindset that has driven our momentum leading into the finals series, giving us the confidence to play our best netball on Sunday."
As the pressure of Grand Final week intensifies, Clarke is keeping her team grounded.
"Leading into the grand final we have focused on the importance of trusting the work we have done throughout the season and the things we can control. It is about confidence in our preparation and in each other, so we can enjoy the occasion and perform at our best."
A last-round draw saw them finish the season just one point behind NSU, before an extra-time thriller in the preliminary final helped them avenge their Round 11 loss to Sutherland Stingrays and earn another shot at glory.
“Strong fan support from MWNA junior teams helps energise our senior squads, often travelling to home and away matches to cheer on their local stars within the MW Sapphires,” said Sapphires Captain Latika Tombs.
“Reaching the Grand Final represents the culmination of years’ worth of hard work within our local pathways and is deeply meaningful for our Manly Warringah community.”
2025 is particularly special for three Sapphires stalwarts—Latika Tombs, NSW Swifts player Teigan O’Shannassy and Manager Lisa Eady—who are all celebrating 10 years with the franchise. Tombs, alongside Coach Mel Clarke and Eady, has been part of both championship-winning teams and is now eyeing a third title.
In the 23U division, it’s a showdown between top-placed Panthers and second-ranked GWS Fury—two sides who have been neck and neck all season.
GWS Fury took the direct route to the final, securing a heart-stopping one-goal win over Panthers in the semi-final to book their ticket. Panthers, the minor premiers, responded with a dominant preliminary final performance to secure their spot and set up a third meeting with the Fury.
The teams split their regular season results—Panthers winning the first clash by 3, and Fury responding in Round 9 with a thrilling one-goal win, sealed with just seconds on the clock.
With history, rivalry and redemption on the line, the 23U Grand Final promises to be just as gripping as the main event.
Don't miss a minute of the action as the state’s best athletes compete for Premier League glory. Grand Final night will be a celebration of talent, tenacity, and the future of netball in NSW.
Tickets are available to purchase Here.
And if you can’t be there in person, watch the livestream at Netball NSW TV.
