14-&-Under “A” 
Quarter 1: Donald started off strongly with the WA and GA setting up well on the line for set plays. Early points on the board by Donald set it up for the remainder of the game. Charlton was utilising space on the court well and was strong in its attacking of the ball. Donald had to change up some game play, and the GK and birthday girl River Stirling was strong in the circle making it hard for Charlton to feed into the circle.
 Quarter 2:  Donald made some changes in this quarter with some girls getting on the bench to rest up to jump on the court for the ’17s match. Strong mid court control by Evie Donnellon created flow down the court as the Centre. The communication between the attackers and defenders in the mid court made Donald strong, the court was not congested. Charlton played strong close defence and good cover over its players, Donald had to work harder for the ball.
 Quarter 3: Donald really shone in this quarter, showing great depth and understanding of play. Charlton shooters held strong, working well as a team and their circle defence was always looking to pick off any missed shots with good height on the elevation.
 Donald continued to keep the court free of congestion. Layla Hepworth worked hard as a WD, showing her speed and good read of play. Layla Griffiths and Sophie Burke were a great team in the goal ring, both had accurate shooting and great support of one another.
 Quarter 4: Donald continued to show its strength in this quarter, with lots of positive chatter on the court and good decisions being made. Donald continued to play at a high level with good determination and skill being shown. Well done to both teams, Charlton is always a clean fun match with great supporters. Thanks to the umpires and a big shout out to  Chloe Italia, Sophie Burke and Patience Beavis who stepped up to play U17s and Lucy Robinson who umpired her first seniors game.
Donald awards: Lucy Robertson, Donald Family Butcher; Layla Griffiths, Gilchrist & Co.
Charlton awards: TeeJet Best, Rosie Fitzpatrick; FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches, Lila Schofield; Nutrien Ag & Roberts Windrowing “Have a Crack”, Anna Fitzpatrick.
17-&-Under 
Quarter 1 saw a strong start from Donald, with great teamwork and a composed effort to control possession by slowing the ball down. Charlton’s defensive pressure was intense, challenging the Donald goalers and capitalising on intercepted passes to gain early momentum.
In quarter 2, Donald made several rolling substitutions, injecting fresh legs on to the court to counter Charlton’s physical presence. There were some impressive passages of play, with Donald shooters combining well under pressure and showing great teamwork to convert opportunities. Defenders also stepped up, applying full-court pressure, while the attackers worked hard to deliver the ball into the goal circle.
The third quarter was marked by resilience and learning, as the girls implemented strategies from training and responded well to sideline coaching. Despite the scoreboard, Donald continued to fight, with new player combinations across the court creating some strong plays. The attacking end worked tirelessly, though Charlton’s defenders proved difficult to break through.
In the final quarter, Donald finished on a high note, posting its highest score of the match. The determination and “never give up” attitude of Donald’s players shone through, with rolling substitutions keeping energy levels up and mid-courters linking well to move the ball forward. The defenders read the play expertly to create valuable intercepts, and every player gave it their all until the final whistle. The team’s hard work, resilience, and weekly improvement is something to be extremely proud of.
Donald awards: Arleea Sarre, Clothes Bin; Halle Rice, Love Shack Giftware.
Charlton awards: IGA Charlton and Ergo & Mane Beauty Best, Taylah Giles; FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches, Lacey Smith; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee, Anika Holmes-Brown.
“C” Grade
In a tightly contested and entertaining netball match, Donald secured a thrilling 52-49 victory over Charlton after trailing for most of the game.
 The match opened with Charlton showing dominance, particularly through its long-range shooting, with several impressive goals. Donald’s Mak Dillon stood out with a few strong rebounds, while Tiarnah Hepworth impressed early with accurate shooting. It was a special day for Halle Rice, who took to the court for her first senior game. At the end of the first quarter, Charlton led 18–11.
Charlton continued to press in the second quarter, moving the ball quickly down the court and maintaining pressure. Megan Godkin-Briggs played a key defensive role, snatching a couple of intercepts, while Jorjah Roberts and Julia Pearse provided sharp and accurate passes into the shooting circle. Another milestone came as Asha Pearse made her senior debut. Despite Donald lifting its intensity, Charlton held on to a 31–26 lead at half-time.
The third quarter saw Donald begin to close the gap, with sisters Alyssa and Tiarnah Hepworth combining effectively in the shooting circle. Strategic rolling substitutions kept Donald’s energy levels high. Jorjah Roberts added to her tally of intercepts, and Godkin-Briggs continued to provide strong support, recovering several loose balls. Heading into the final term, Charlton held a narrow 39-37 lead.
 Donald came out firing in the last quarter, capitalising on a turnover to score early and then equalising shortly after. Tiarnah Hepworth’s fantastic shooting helped Donald pull ahead, with Belicia Francis offering strong support in attack. The hosts held their nerve in a tense final few minutes to clinch a 52-49 comeback victory.
It was a memorable match with standout performances, senior debuts, and a nail-biting finish that showcased the determination and teamwork of both sides.
Massive congratulations to Asha Pearse and Halle Rice on their debut senior game for Donald. 
Donald awards: Jorjah Roberts, IGA Best On Court; Halle Rice (first senior game), Donald Hotel Incentive award.
Charlton awards: Jack Thompson Construction and Ergo & Mane Beauty Best, Zoe Carney; S&D Consulting Coaches, Taylah Boyle; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee, Ebony McCarthy.
“B” Grade
Quarter 1: Donald’s “B” grade girls took the court against Charlton. It was always bound to be a great game to watch. Donald started out well moving the ball swifty down the court from defensive turnovers. Courtney Doak and Rachael Meulendyks worked well together in the defensive ring. Donald 8, Charlton 6.
Quarter 2: Donald’s goalers Millie Lydom and Zara Staples picked up the rhythm early in the second quarter, with the assistance from Megan Tonkin (WA) and Tori Kelm (C) working the centre of the court. Megan intercepted the ball at every chance she had to stop the ball from entering the Charlton attacking end. Donald 22, Charlton 16.
Quarter 3: An unfortunate injury forced Donald to make some changes in the defensive end.  Abby Griffths and Milla Adams sharing the role of GD  both worked well in the defensive ring with Rachael. Donald proved to be too strong and continued to lead going into the last quarter. Donald 33, Charlton 21.
Quarter 4: A good lead starting out the last quarter; the Donald girls knew all they needed to do was to hold on to their centres to see the game out with their first win for the season. All girls pulled together as a team with some lovely netball court wide. Donald 44, Charlton 27.
Donald awards: Rach Meulendyks, Jasper & Co; Millie Lydom, Mensland. 
Charlton awards: Teys Charlton Feedlot Best, Bec Sexton; Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches, Tahli Roberts; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee, Bec Sexton.
“A” Grade
Milestone for the game: Xanthi Rice game 450 and Ally Doak game 200. 
Donald was on a mission to bring home a win for these 2 girls and that it did. 
Quarter 1: In a fast-paced and competitive match, the mid court players proved instrumental, dominating their opponents and setting the tone for the game. Their relentless pressure and sharp intercepts led to numerous turnovers, giving their team repeated opportunities to gain possession and transition into attack. The cohesive play between the centre Abby Griffiths, wing attack Xanthi Rice, and wing defence Ally Doak, disrupted the opposition’s rhythm and showcased outstanding teamwork and tactical discipline. Donald 14, Charlton 11.
Quarter 2: Donald consistently applied pressure that resulted in a high number of turnovers. Its ability to read the play and shut down passing lanes gave it a clear edge. The second quarter was particularly impressive, with a flurry of defensive intercepts from Sara Adams GK and Anna Sudholz GD that halted the opposition’s momentum and allowed Donald to keep the lead. Donald 25, Charlton 17.
Quarter 3: The momentum continued into the third quarter, where the attacking end began to shine. The attackers Xanthi Rice WA and Abby Griffith C worked seamlessly to feed accurate and well-timed passes into the shooting circle, allowing the shooter Zoe Grigsby and Milla Adams to capitalise and convert with confidence. The connection and communication in the attacking third showcased the team’s growing cohesion and control over the game.  Donald  38, Charlton 30.
Quarter 4: In the final quarter, the team maintained its composure and demonstrated great consistency down the court. Clean transitions, disciplined play, and solid communication ensured they closed out the game confidently and in control.  Donald 49, Charlton 39.
Donald awards: Gilchrist & Co, Ally Doak; Bev’s Baubles, Milla Adams.
Charlton awards: Walsh Motors Best, Megan Bruns; Walsh Motors Coaches, Lacey Smith; Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee, Remi Jeffery.