HAMILTON Kangaroos’ Division 1 netball squad is basking in the glory of its hard-earned Hampden Football Netball League premiership after defeating Port Fairy at Reid Oval, 43-39, on Saturday.

The Kangaroos had to do it the hard way, with no rest over the course of the finals series.

Hamilton played all four weeks, whereas Port Fairy had two weeks’ rest in total after winning the minor premiership and then the second semi-final, which game the Seagulls an express pathway to the grand final.

A brilliant first quarter saw the Kangaroos jump out to a nine-goal lead at the end of the first term, 19-7 as the Roos pounced on turnover ball.

The second quarter saw each team make the most of their possessions as 12 goals were posted by both teams to have the margin remain at nine goals at the half-time break.

The Seagulls returned to the court for the second half knowing that its season depended on it being hard at the ball and needing clean possession at every opportunity if it was to claw its way back into the game.

They were able to reduce the margin to six goals by three-quarter time and then in the final term it posted a further 11 goals to only nine from the Roos, but the damage had been done and the Blue and Whites registered a four-goal victory to etch their name on the trophy.

With Hamilton Kangaroos undertaking a youth policy this season there were many former Open grade stars that dropped back a grade to division one and it was this experienced core that held sway in the grand final.

Kangaroos goaler, Hayley Sherlock, had a stellar performance under the hoop to claim the best on court medal, putting up 24 goals, while Roos skipper, Kelsey Lewis, added a further 19 goals to dominate the goal circle at each end of the court.

The victory was sweet reward for the whole squad and especially coach, Lauren Killen, who had the goal of a title right from the first pre-season session.

“We had an honest season with each other (where) we had fun along the way (and) set a goal to win it and we succeeded,” Killen explained upon reflection of her squad’s season.

The squad had a marvellous mixture of youth and experience which gelled together right from the opening training session back in November 2023.

The start that the Kangaroos produced in the opening quarter allowed the experienced players within the squad to play the game at the Roos’ pace.

They sped up when the team was on top and then slowed the pace when their opponents were pressing hard as Sherlock, Amanda Douglas, and Kelsey Lewis all played their roles with aplomb.

“Hayley (Sherlock) had a fantastic game and deservedly won the medal, while Rhianne Lewis was also a standout for me; when we needed an intercept she delivered,” Killen said.

“Chloe Riddle and Holly Rook stepped up in the midcourt and were calm when needed, while Amanda Douglas owned the WD and added pressure down the court as our captain, Kelsey Lewis, kept the girls pumped up throughout the game.”

“Bailey Ryan had a huge job on their GS and did a fantastic job.”

It wasn’t only the more experienced players that performed so well, as Killen explained when quizzed about the younger members of the squad and how they performed.

“They performed well on a huge stage, and the older ones - I would call experienced - I'm sure after the success they had would definitely be going round again.”

With the Hamilton Kangaroos undertaking that youth policy, Killen said that development would keep the club going forward.

“This season the young girls have definitely stepped up and have gained experience and I'm looking forward to where these girls take their netball (in the seasons to come),” she said.

When asked if she would coach again next year, Killen said she hadn’t made a decision.

“I haven't decided (as) it was depending on the result (of) Saturday, but we have finished on a high and (I) will sit with the family and sort life out.

“Applications have closed, so depends on if the club need any grades filled,’ Killen said.