Hawks Complete Historic Three-Peat with Commanding Grand Final Victory
Woodend-Hesket has etched its name into Riddell District Netball League folklore, claiming a third consecutive A-grade premiership with a dominant 57-39 victory over Riddell in Saturday's Grand Final at Romsey Park.
The triumph represents a remarkable transformation for the Hawks A-grade program, which had never reached a grand final before 2022. From that breakthrough grand final loss just four years ago, the club has now achieved something truly special - three consecutive premierships in 2023, 2024, and 2025 that place them in rare company within regional Victorian netball.
From Heartbreak to History
The journey to this historic achievement began with disappointment. The 2022 grand final loss served as the catalyst for what would become one of the most successful periods in the club's netball history. That defeat, rather than breaking spirits, galvanized a group that was determined to write a different ending to their story.
Playing-coach Tayissa Coppinger, who has been instrumental in the club's rise, reflected on the significance of the achievement. "It feels pretty amazing. It will take a little bit to sink in," she said following Saturday's victory. "I knew that we had the team to be able to do it. It was a matter of executing it."
The success hasn't happened by accident. Coppinger emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining a core group of committed players. "It's the people within it and once we've got that core group it's been just a matter building on that. Keep building on what you've created. The last four years is credit to that and everyone else who has been part of the netball program over the years."
Grand Final Dominance
Saturday's decider showcased exactly why the Hawks have been so successful over their championship run. While the opening quarter was evenly contested with both teams trading goals, the Hawks' championship experience began to tell as the match progressed.
The turning point came late in the first quarter when the Hawks capitalized on some crucial Riddell errors to establish a five-goal buffer at the first break. From that foundation, they methodically extended their advantage, taking complete control of the contest.
"We know in the second half they are going to come firing, and they did and I don't think the scoreboard fully reflected the game," Coppinger explained. "It was hard out there and tough for the whole 60 minutes. Everyone stepped up and everyone played their role perfectly. I couldn't have asked for anything better than every single one of the girls."
With the result beyond doubt in the final stages, the Hawks were able to showcase their depth by giving every player on the bench an opportunity to contribute to the premiership triumph - a testament to both their dominance and inclusive team culture.
Defensive Excellence
The foundation of the Hawks' three-peat has been built on defensive excellence, and Saturday's grand final was no exception. The combination of Coppinger and Georgia Bowkett in the defensive circle proved too much for the experienced Riddell attack, shutting down scoring opportunities and creating the turnover ball that fueled the Hawks' attacking plays.
The partnership between Coppinger and Bowkett, honed over years of playing together throughout the championship era, demonstrated the value of continuity and understanding in key positions.
Coppinger's individual excellence was recognized with the best-on-court medal from the umpires. Remarkably, this made her a two-time grand final medallist, having also claimed the honour in 2023, while her sister Sam Coppinger won the medal in 2024. However, the champion defender was quick to deflect praise. "It could have gone to anyone, I was in shock. Every player out there played their role and without that, we wouldn't have any of this."
Rising Stars and Homegrown Talent
While experience has been crucial to the Hawks' success, the emergence of young talent has added another dimension to their championship formula. Sixteen-year-old Natalie McDonald has been a revelation throughout the 2025 season, and her composure under grand final pressure drew particular praise from her coach.
"She has gone from strength to strength through this season. I think today she just stepped up again. For someone who is 16 to have that level of composure and maturity, I can't speak highly of her and her improvement across the season," Coppinger said. "I knew she had the talent there... she works her butt off non-stop and credit to her."
The 2025 triumph also marked special moments for several players experiencing their first A-grade premiership with the Hawks. Rebecca Hicks and Jessica Martin joined the championship club, with Martin's elevation representing the successful pathway from junior to senior success that the club has cultivated.
"I think it's so special, juniors of the club," Coppinger reflected. "Jess coming up into A-grade this year, has taken it with two hands, again another person who has improved out of sight."
The return of Mackenzie Brown, who played in the 2023 premiership before spending most of 2025 in B-grade, exemplified the depth and loyalty within the Hawks program. Her seamless reintegration into the A-grade side late in the season demonstrated the club's ability to develop and retain talent across multiple levels.
A Culture of Excellence
The Hawks' three-peat achievement extends beyond individual brilliance or tactical superiority. It represents the establishment of a winning culture that has permeated through the entire netball program. The club's ability to consistently perform at the highest level while integrating new talent and maintaining team cohesion speaks to strong leadership both on and off the court.
The continuity provided by Coppinger's dual role as playing-coach has been instrumental in this success. Her decision to commit to another season ensures the foundation of this successful period remains in place for 2026. "We'll be back bigger and better, I would say," she declared following Saturday's victory.
Regional Netball Excellence
The Hawks compete in the Riddell District Football Netball League, which covers towns in the Macedon Ranges and spans from Melton in the south to Kyneton and Lancefield in the north. This makes their three consecutive premierships even more impressive, given the quality and competitiveness of the league.
The consistency required to win three straight premierships in any competitive environment is remarkable, but to do so while facing teams that know your game plan and are specifically preparing to end your dominance makes it extraordinary.
Looking to 2026 and Beyond
As the Hawks celebrate their historic achievement, attention will inevitably turn to whether they can extend their remarkable run into 2026. The club's commitment to developing young talent while maintaining their experienced core suggests they will remain competitive for years to come.
The foundation established since the 2022 grand final loss, built on strong relationships, clear roles, and a commitment to continuous improvement, provides the blueprint for sustained success. With Coppinger confirmed to return as coach and a mix of championship-hardened veterans and emerging stars, the Hawks appear well-positioned to continue their dominance.
A Legacy Cemented
The 2025 premiership completes a remarkable transformation for Woodend-Hesket's A-grade netball program. From never having reached a grand final before 2022 to claiming three consecutive premierships in 2023, 2024, and 2025, they have not just succeeded - they have excelled at the highest level.
This three-peat will be remembered as one of the finest achievements in the club's history, a testament to what can be accomplished when talent, hard work, and strong culture combine. For the players involved, coaches who guided them, and supporters who backed them, Saturday's victory represents the pinnacle of regional netball success.
The Hawks have proven that with the right foundation, consistent effort, and unwavering belief, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality. Their three consecutive premierships stand as inspiration for aspiring netballers throughout the region and a benchmark for excellence that will challenge future generations.
As the celebrations continue and the 2025 premiership flag finds its place alongside those from 2023 and 2024, one thing is certain - the Woodend-Hesket Hawks have firmly established themselves among the elite programs in Victorian regional netball.
Photography by Ian Templeton.
