“Past results count for nothing in finals — they’re won on the day.”
St George District coach Heath Brown isn’t mincing words ahead of Wednesday night’s Division 1 Grand Final, setting the tone for what promises to be the most intense finish yet to the fourth Netball NSW Men’s Metro League season.
Brown says his side enters the decider with “a healthy dose of underdog confidence”, noting their improvement each time they’ve faced Inner West and the belief that they can go toe-to-toe with the undefeated favourites.
“We’ve had three great battles with Inner West this season and won halves or quarters every time. There’s going to be plenty of contested ball — so expect us to go into those contests harder.”
His message is clear: St George are ready.
DIVISION 1 GRAND FINAL: Inner West vs St George District
Undefeated Inner West enter the decider as the benchmark team of 2025. Their flawless 12–0 record speaks to their dominance, and their 63–51 victory over St George in the Qualifying Final secured a direct path to the Grand Final.
But St George have been building toward this moment.
After that Week 1 finals loss, Brown’s side rebounded superbly to eliminate defending champions Eastwood Ryde in a gritty 43–38 Preliminary Final — a performance driven by discipline, pressure and belief.
Brown says his team has prepared specifically to counter Inner West’s firepower.
“Last time we played them they scored at will, so we built a defensively themed plan to flip that result. We contained them to half their scoring power for most of the game — that reinforced that anything can happen in finals.”
He also flagged targeted tactical adjustments across the court.
“There are parts of the court their attacking patterns typically phase through, and we have plans to shut those down. Both teams are brimming with talent — I’m excited to see who delivers on the big stage.”
Expect a fast, physical, high-quality contest between two teams with contrasting styles but equally fierce resolve.
DIVISION 2 GRAND FINAL: Inner West vs Campbelltown District
The Division 2 decider offers another compelling rematch, with Inner West 2 and Campbelltown 2 taking very different paths to the big stage.
Inner West were clinical in their 85–31 Qualifying Final win, showcasing depth, speed and accuracy that make them the clear favourites.
Campbelltown, meanwhile, have taken the long road — and they’re better for it.
Coach Mark Ireland says the adversity of the Qualifying Final, played with only five available athletes, has steeled his side.
“The first final was tough with only five players, but even then the boys fought hard and put a decent score on the board. That showed me their character.”
With more athletes returning from a national tournament, Campbelltown’s Preliminary Final performance was a statement.
“This week we had three of the boys back and it brought the structure back into our game play. Once we settled, they implemented the game plan perfectly and we were able to pull away.”
Ireland believes that with their full squad finally together, Campbelltown will be a very different proposition for Inner West.
“This time around, we’ve got a full team and a bench — something we haven’t had against them. That alone changes the dynamic completely.”
He is also confident that the lessons of the season will serve them well.
“We haven’t beaten Inner West yet, but that’s because this was a brand-new group and we met them in Round 1 when we were still learning each other. We didn’t get to face them again due to the split draw, so the Grand Final is our chance to show how far we’ve come.”
Looking ahead to the decider, Ireland’s focus is simple and uncompromising.
“If we start strong, stick to our structure and play our style of netball, we give ourselves every chance. With a full squad, it’s a completely different ball game — and we’re ready to give it everything.”
With renewed belief, a settled roster and a point to prove, Campbelltown enter the Division 2 Grand Final with momentum — and motivation — firmly on their side.
The 2025 Men’s Metro League reaches its pinnacle on Wednesday night, with Grand Finals in both Division 1 and Division 2 at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park. Now in its fourth season, the competition continues its rapid rise, showcasing elite men’s netball talent from across metropolitan Sydney — including Australian Kelpies representatives and NSW Men’s Open Nationals athletes.
Tickets are available to purchase at the door and for those who prefer to watch from their couch both games are being livestreamed on netballnsw.tv for $5.99 - Watch Live Here
