Sapphires Set for Grand Final Glory at Ken Rosewall Arena

The Manly Warringah Sapphires are charging into the 2025 Netball NSW Premier League Grand Final with momentum, belief, and the backing of a proud netball community behind them.

Manly Warringah Sapphires Grand Finalists!

After a thrilling season filled with elite performances and down-to-the-wire finishes, the Sapphires will take on North Shore United in the Opens Grand Final, held at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, on Sunday, 3 August at 5:00 PM.

The game marks the fourth clash between the two rivals this season, following a tightly contested race for top spot where North Shore United finished as minor premiers, just one point ahead of our Sapphires.

The Sapphires' journey to the Grand Final began with a dominant pre-season HeartKids Cup win, setting the tone for a campaign defined by consistency, composure, and collective strength. Despite a mid-season stumble, including a Round 11 loss to Sutherland Stingrays, our Sapphires regrouped and powered through an extra-time Preliminary Final thriller to eliminate the Stingrays and earn their shot at the 2025 title.

“I think that the belief has certainly been present within the team from the beginning,” said Sapphires Head Coach, Mel Clarke.

“The challenges we have overcome together throughout the season have contributed to the resilience and positive mindset that has driven our momentum leading into the finals series, giving us the confidence to play our best netball on Sunday.”

Head-to-head with North Shore United in 2025:

Round 2: NSU 55 def. MW Sapphires 39

Round 11: MW Sapphires 48 def. NSU 46

Finals Week 1: NSU 51 def. MW Sapphires 50

As the numbers suggest, the Opens Grand Final promises a blockbuster finale between two evenly matched and experienced sides.

“Leading into the Grand Final, we’ve focused on the importance of trusting the work we’ve done throughout the season and the things we can control,” Clarke added.

“It’s about confidence in our preparation and in each other, so we can enjoy the occasion and perform at our best.”

Milestone Year for Sapphire Stalwarts

The 2025 season carries special meaning for three of the Sapphires’ longest-serving contributors:

Latika Tombs (Captain)

Teigan O’Shannassy (NSW Swifts and Sapphires player)

Lisa Eady (Team Manager)

All three are celebrating 10 years with the franchise, with Tombs, Eady, and Clarke having been part of both championship-winning teams in 2017 and 2023. Now, the trio is chasing a third title together - a rare feat in Premier League history.

“This Grand Final is a reflection of the dedication and unity that runs through our entire Manly Warringah netball community,” said Tombs. “Our supporters, especially our MWNA juniors, give us incredible energy and pride every week.”

Grand Final Day Details:

📍 Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

📅 Sunday, 3 August 2025

🕑 2:00 PM – 23U Grand Final: GWS Fury v Panthers

🕔 5:00 PM – Opens Grand Final: North Shore United v Manly Warringah Sapphires

🎟️ Tickets: $15 – Available now

💎 Join the Blue Wave

Rep your colours, bring the noise and be part of the electric atmosphere as the Sapphires chase Grand Final glory. With belief, experience and heart on their side, Manly Warringah Sapphires are ready to shine on the Premier League’s biggest stage.