COLLINGWOOD has ended its netball program on a huge high, defeating the highly touted Swifts Academy to win the 2023 Australian Netball Championships.

The game started tight in Collingwood’s favour, but the Swifts were able to flip the script in the second and third term to take a six goal lead into the final change. However, Collingwood came out firing in the last term and with a 20 goal to 12 final term took the win.

Olivia Wilkinson (32 goals from 34 attempts, nine feeds, nine assists) was a solid target in attack for the Magpies, while Montana Holmes (23 feeds, 15 assists, two gains, two intercepts) had a solid game in mid court.

Meanwhile Jessica Conlan (34 feeds, 28 assists) and Sophie Fawns (33 goals from 40 attempts, four feeds, four assists) both excelled despite the result.

EARLIER IN THE DAY

Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures (69) defeated West Coast Fever Reserves (57)

The Thunderbirds bounced back from a shock loss the day before in a big way, comfortably downing the Western Australians.

Adelaide was already 10 goals up at half time, so even though things tightened up in the second half on the scoreboard it made little impact on the overall result.

Jessie Grenvold (seven gains, five intercepts, two deflections, two rebounds) made a huge impact in defence for the Thunderbirds, as did Molly Watson (five gains, four intercepts, three deflections).

On the flipside Jasmah Haywood (42 goals from 45 attempts) had a huge game in attack for the Fever Reserves, while Jordan Cransberg (30 feeds, 25 assists) again impressed through midcourt.

Vic Fury (68) defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts (45)

In the biggest margin of the day, the Vic Fury finished fifth after a huge win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts.

The game increasingly got further and further out of the Bolts’ reach as the game progressed, but a 20 goal to eight final term from the Fury really was the final nail in the coffin.

Maggie Caris (10 deflections, nine gains, three intercepts, two rebounds) starred in defence for the Fury, while tournament MVP Emily Andrew (48 goals from 50 attempts, three feeds, three assists) starred in attack.

Ash Ervin (five gains, five deflections, two rebounds) again impressed for the Sunshine Coast, and she was ably assisted by Jada Delaney (five deflections, two gains, one intercept, one rebound).

Firebirds Futures (61) defeated GIANTS Academy (56)

The Firebirds have taken seventh spot with a hard fought five goal win over the GIANTS Academy.

It was tight all game, but ultimately winning three of the four quarters saw the Queenslanders take the win.

Leesa Mi Mi (32 feeds, 26 assists) and Ashee Barnett (five deflections, four gains, three intercepts) starred for the Firebirds, as did Erin O’Brien (six deflections, four gains, two intercepts) and Millie Roach (38 goals from 40 attempts, two feeds, two assists) for the GIANTS.

Tasmania Wild (75) defeated Capital Darters (61)

Tasmania finished off their 2023 tournament on a high, defeating the Capital Darters by 14 goals.

Scores were actually dead even at half time, but the Wild stepped it up in the second half to take the win.

Alexandra Vinen (eight gains, six deflections, three rebounds, two intercepts) starred in defence for the Wild, while up the other end Ashlea Mawer (51 goals from 55 attempts, 15 feeds, 9 assists) had a big game in attack.

Meanwhile for the Darters Favour Lokudu (five gains, three rebounds, two deflections) and Amber Brophy (20 goals from 25 attempts, 22 feeds, 20 assists) both impressed.