ANA 2025: Trish Hines to step down as president as rip-roaring season ends with a flourish of close deciders

Railways 2 denied Tambellup a fairytale finish on Albany Netball Association grand final day, claiming a tense A2 grand final at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on September 20.

The path to title glory for Railways was finishing top of the ladder and winning their first final, while for Tambellup they came from fourth place to reach the decider.

Tambellup were narrow one-goal winners over Kangas 2 in the elimination final and then knocked off Magpies 2 by the same margin in the preliminary final.

Railways proved a step too far in the grand final however, getting out to an early lead and holding on to clinch premiership glory by five goals.

Tambellup fought back strongly in the dying stages, netting the last five goals but they fell short 34-39.

The A3 premiers were Narrikup 3, who topped Kangas 4 50-47 thanks to a nailbiting final quarter, while the A4 champions were Magpies 3, who beat Narrikup 6, 46-39.

Magpies 4 beat Bullets 4 to win the A5 crown, while Kangas 6 overcame Magpies 5 to take the A6 title 39-29.

The fairest-and-best winners were Hannah Tweedie (Railways) at A2, Eliza Tutt (Narrikup) and Ruby Lee (Kangas) who shared the A3 award, Ashley Evans (Griffins) for A4, Madeline Henderson (Bullets) at A5, and Bonnie Spencer (Kangas) at A6.

ANA president Trish Hines will step down as president after 10 years in the role when the organisation holds its annual general meeting later this month.

Hines is exiting the stage after one of the best recent seasons, with Kangas winning a thrilling A1 competition and a host of grassroots netballers earning grand final plaudits and fairest-and-best recognition.

She said the ANA would be in good hands after an excellent 2025 campaign.

“We have a fantastic executive team which has a skill set that really complements the ANA,” she said.

“I have done 10 years, so it’s time for a handover, time for a change.”

Outside of the on-court action, Bullets coach Jenny Cristinelli has been presented with her ANA life membership badge, and Jodie Wignall has received the prestigious Nicole Weeden award as volunteer of the year.

The Jaimie Gowland award winner for the junior volunteer of 2025 was Hollie Jackman of Narrikup, who was nominated along with Haley Harbron (Magpies), Chelsea Pearson (Griffins), Mikayla Camp (Narrikup), and Sophie Panizza (Kangas).

Narrikup’s Mel Pears was named emerging coach of the year, while Tegan Pears was junior umpire of the year.