Reigning Heathcote District Netball League premier Colbinabbin enters the new season off the back of a perfect 18-0 year in 2025.
After an undefeated premiership-winning campaign Colbinabbin enters the new Heathcote District Netball League season with a potential target on its back, as a host of local sides attempt to dethrone the Grasshoppers.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Jen McIntyre’s side quite literally cannot improve on last season as it enters 2026, having lodged a perfect 18-0 record on the way to the ultimate prize last year.
Colbo’s title defence begins with a trip to Elmore this Saturday in a round one night fixture, the Swans being the premier the year before the Grasshoppers’ devastating 2025 run.
With its run carrying on from last year, Colbinabbin is under the microscope with each passing game as opponents look to break the winning streak, something McIntyre has been planning to navigate.
“We don’t ever want to be seen as predictable, so I guess we’ll just keep looking at different things that we can tweak,” she said.
The team’s biggest challenger will likely be Mount Pleasant, which has seen Colbo as somewhat of a nemesis recently, the Grasshoppers having defeated the Mighty Mounts in back-to-back semi-finals in 2022 and 2023 before triumphing in last year’s grand final.
Pleasant coach Anthea McCleary noted the reigning premier was a “phenomenal” outfit, pointing to the dominant margins of victory it regularly recorded last season, though she feels her side addressed a key area this off-season.
“We have brought in Kelsey Meade, who is really skilful, knowledgeable. I’m hoping that will push us a little bit further this year with her accuracy,” McCleary said.
Mount Pleasant begins its season away to Leitchville-Gunbower, while Colbo’s first opponent, Elmore, is another outfit that could place itself in the premiership mix.
The Swans have won two of the past four premierships and they remained in contention last season with a fourth-placed regular season finish, going on to lose to Huntly in an elimination final.
The last two HDNL premiers, Colbinabbin and Elmore, face each other in round one this weekend.
A meeting with Colbo first up provides coach Adam Boldiston with the opportunity to see where his side stacks up in 2026, one he thinks could surprise its opponents with a few curveballs.
“We’ve got very versatile players who can play two or three positions this year. We’re a little bit unpredictable in the fact that we’ve recruited some new players,” Boldiston said.
Elsewhere, Lockington-Bamawm United has different aspirations lower down the table, looking to close the gap on the top five after last year’s eighth-placed finish.
The Cats open their season at home to 2025 finalist North Bendigo, which presents the opportunity to cause an early boil over.
Consistent competitiveness on the court is a key focus for coach Stacy Bacon, which could be aided by a strong togetherness the squad has built.
“They’re just a great group of girls, the vibes are really high. They’re going to play for each other,” she said.
LBU’s game against North Bendigo begins at 5.30pm, as does the clash between White Hills and Huntly at White Hills Recreation Reserve, while Heathcote will serve the bye in round one.
