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Bell Park reaches GDFNL netball semi-finals - Geelong, VIC
Smart summary
Bell Park produced a strong 44–29 elimination-final victory over St Mary’s to secure a place in the GDFNL A Grade netball semi-finals.
Bell Park has advanced to the Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) A Grade netball semi-finals after defeating St Mary’s 44–29 in a convincing elimination-final performance.
The Dragons entered the finals campaign determined to make a deeper impact after reaching the finals in recent seasons without progressing far. Their victory over St Mary’s delivered an important breakthrough and ensured Bell Park will continue its premiership campaign this weekend.
A major contributor was goal shooter Makaela Connelly, who produced an outstanding performance in attack. Connelly scored 38 of Bell Park’s 44 goals, continuing a remarkable season in which she has averaged around 40 goals per game. Her accuracy and ability to consistently convert opportunities provided the Dragons with a major advantage throughout the match.
Bell Park coach Jayne Soden praised the team's development and the way the players have built stronger combinations during the season. The Dragons have benefited from several important additions, including Charli Hoey and sisters Lulu and Zoey Shaw, while other players have continued to develop through the club's senior and junior programs.
The club's improved depth has been reflected across its teams, with 11 of Bell Park's 12 senior and junior Saturday teams reaching finals this season. Soden said bringing the full group together at the right time had helped the A Grade team produce its best netball when it mattered most.
Bell Park will now face South Barwon in the semi-final. South Barwon comes into the match as one of the competition's established strong teams, making the upcoming contest a significant test for the Dragons.
The result is also part of a wider finals story across the GDFNL. Portarlington has continued an impressive finals campaign, winning against Torquay to progress despite making its first finals appearance in a decade. Portarlington will now face reigning premier Ocean Grove in its next finals match.
There was also success at the representative level for Geelong netballer Emma Daffy, who captained Victoria to victory in the Marie Little Shield. Victoria defeated New South Wales 25–19 in the final, securing gold after finishing runner-up to NSW in the previous two years. It was Victoria's first Marie Little Shield championship since 2023.
For Bell Park, however, attention now turns firmly to the GDFNL semi-final. The Dragons have already shown they can overcome a finals opponent and will be looking to continue their momentum against South Barwon. With a productive attack, improved depth and a growing belief within the squad, Bell Park enters the next stage of the finals with an opportunity to push further towards the premiership.
BellFinalsParkDragonsGdfnl
Bell Park has advanced to the Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) A Grade netball semi-finals after defeating St Mary’s 44–29 in a convincing elimination-final performance.
The Dragons entered the finals campaign determined to make a deeper impact after reaching the finals in recent seasons without progressing far. Their victory over St Mary’s delivered an important breakthrough and ensured Bell Park will continue its premiership campaign this weekend.
A major contributor was goal shooter Makaela Connelly, who produced an outstanding performance in attack. Connelly scored 38 of Bell Park’s 44 goals, continuing a remarkable season in which she has averaged around 40 goals per game. Her accuracy and ability to consistently convert opportunities provided the Dragons with a major advantage throughout the match.
Bell Park coach Jayne Soden praised the team's development and the way the players have built stronger combinations during the season. The Dragons have benefited from several important additions, including Charli Hoey and sisters Lulu and Zoey Shaw, while other players have continued to develop through the club's senior and junior programs.
The club's improved depth has been reflected across its teams, with 11 of Bell Park's 12 senior and junior Saturday teams reaching finals this season. Soden said bringing the full group together at the right time had helped the A Grade team produce its best netball when it mattered most.
Bell Park will now face South Barwon in the semi-final. South Barwon comes into the match as one of the competition's established strong teams, making the upcoming contest a significant test for the Dragons.
The result is also part of a wider finals story across the GDFNL. Portarlington has continued an impressive finals campaign, winning against Torquay to progress despite making its first finals appearance in a decade. Portarlington will now face reigning premier Ocean Grove in its next finals match.
There was also success at the representative level for Geelong netballer Emma Daffy, who captained Victoria to victory in the Marie Little Shield. Victoria defeated New South Wales 25–19 in the final, securing gold after finishing runner-up to NSW in the previous two years. It was Victoria's first Marie Little Shield championship since 2023.
For Bell Park, however, attention now turns firmly to the GDFNL semi-final. The Dragons have already shown they can overcome a finals opponent and will be looking to continue their momentum against South Barwon. With a productive attack, improved depth and a growing belief within the squad, Bell Park enters the next stage of the finals with an opportunity to push further towards the premiership.
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