The Illawarra was the heart of netball this weekend as more than 70 teams came together for the 2025 Netball NSW Masters State Titles and Aware Super Social Masters, celebrating fierce competition, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the game.
In a thrilling display of skill and connection, Eastwood Ryde were crowned 2025 Netball NSW Masters State Champions, successfully defending their title in a weekend that showcased both elite netball and incredible camaraderie. Baulkham Hills claimed runner-up honours after two days of high-quality matches.
Eastwood Ryde captain Emily Keenan, said the win was particularly rewarding.
“It’s such a privilege to play together again and to defend our title against so many strong teams,” Keenan said. “It's been a brilliant weekend. The netball standard was amazing – every game tested us. Masters is about so much more than results; it’s about reconnecting, sharing memories and celebrating the game we all love.”
Stacy Harding, General Manager Competitions at Netball NSW, congratulated all participants and praised the Illawarra community for hosting an exceptional event.
“The Masters State Titles continues to be one of the most anticipated events on our calendar,” Harding said.
“From Australian Diamonds legends to Premier League stars and lifelong club players, the level of competition and camaraderie this weekend was outstanding. Congratulations to Eastwood Ryde on a well-deserved win, and thank you to the Illawarra Netball Association for creating such a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
Hosted at the Illawarra Netball Association’s Indoor Sports Centre, the tournament featured 11 associations, including strong local representation with two Illawarra teams, as well as contenders from Gosford, Shoalhaven, Port Stephens and Manly Warringah.
Running alongside the State Titles, the Aware Super Social Masters brought a different kind of energy to the courts — a mix of sport, music, laughter and themed fun that only Masters netball can deliver.
More than 60 teams, with players aged between 35 and 65, took part in two days of competition and connection, proving that passion for the game doesn’t fade with time. The legendary “Back to School” themed Saturday night social at the University of Wollongong’s UniBar was a crowd favourite, with trivia, dancing and plenty of nostalgic costumes.
For the first time, Aware Super came on board as presenting partner, supporting an event that celebrates community as much as competition.
“The Aware Super Social Masters is so much more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of stories, laughter and lifelong friendships,” said Harding. “It reminds us that netball is for everyone, at every age and stage.”
Crowd favourites included the local Illawarra Flames, who shone on and off the court, and the beloved Birrong “Six Over Sixty”, who have been part of the Social Masters since 2013 continue to inspire with their enduring love of the game.
Birrong SOS captain Raelene Allen said her team relished every moment of the weekend.
“We might be the ‘old girls’, but we still love the game, the laughs, and the feeling of being part of something special,” Allen has said.
Frances Cordaro, Netball NSW
