Grand Finals – Season 2026
A Grand Final for the History Books: Every Club Steps Into the Spotlight
For the first time in years – and decades for some – all five clubs featured across four thrilling Grand Final matches in an unforgettable showcase of local hockey.
U13 Results – Greenbottles 9 def Redlegs 0
Goal scorers: Alice Fry 2 (G), Angus McGregor 2 (G), Madeleine McGregor 2 (G),
Winnie Schinckel 2 (G), Sydney Sommerville (G)
Best on Ground: Alice Fry (G) & Levi Kitto (R)
Players were bathed in sunlight as they assembled along the midline for the grand final pre-game formalities, and as spectators jostled along the fence for the best viewing spots. Clean, targeted passes by a quietly confident, undefeated Greenbottles side set the scene early for their usual game in which their skills and sportsmanship shone.
An attempted breakaway by Redlegs was abruptly halted and the ball directed smartly back to the Greenbottles’ circle, where Lachie Munro’s slightly wide shot at goal forced Redlegs’ goalie Levi Kitto to focus hard. It was Greenbottles’ Angus McGregor who opened the scoring with a clever reverse stick goal. His sister Madeleine McGregor then found the backboard during a short with a powerful hit following a perfect injection by Winnie Schinckel.
Fresh into the second quarter, Redlegs were spared as Alice Fry’s bullets from the top of the circle went just shy of the goals during short corners. Redlegs had their chance to clear the ball but some swings and misses allowed Greenbottles to regain control. Tenacious play in the circle by the nimble Violet Norman kept the Redlegs goalie on his toes, as did a near-miss by Maggie Legoe following a wonderful pass across goals by Toby Holden-Young. It was rinse and repeat as Winnie and Madeline combined yet again to convert off a short corner.
From the centreline, Greenbottles quickly regained possession and made full use of the pitch in some mature passages of play. Winnie used her speed to save a ball from the backline, which she flung to Lachie who craftily guided it into the circle. Syd Somerville took over and eventually found the back of the net, despite some excellent goalkeeping. The centreline reset was of little use to Redlegs as the ball remained in Greenbottles’ half. Despite some solid defence by Thomas Bridle, a skilful run by Winnie resulted in a goal from the top of the circle seconds before half time.
A determined Redlegs team achieved a relatively even third quarter of play along with some potential scoring opportunities. Henry Kitto pushed strongly near the circle which had Greenbottles’ goalie Seb Holden-Young watching intently, while frenzied play by Redlegs was solidly held up by Greenbottles’ Henry Evans and Eddie Fitzgerald. A clear sent the ball halfway up the field but it was retrieved by Redlegs’ Mason Tate whose speed down the sideline shone. He was successfully challenged by ever-reliable Madeleine who combined well with Lottie Legoe to find Hilary Schinckel in space. Hilary took on several Redlegs players as she progressed forwards before finishing with a penetrating hit into the circle. A short corner was called, and this time Winnie injected to Eddie and pounced on the rebound to slap it in past the keeper. Redlegs took advantage of the reset to counterattack and although Angus made a fantastic reverse stick clear, they did not give up. George Law pressed strongly and earned a short corner, which was frustratingly unsuccessful.
In the final quarter, focus quickly resumed in the Greenbottles’ circle. Joseph Law continued to provide constant defence. A sudden, cracking hit by Angus caught Levi by surprise and opened the quarter’s scoring. Another great, penetrating ball by Hilary was later picked up by Alice on the backline who brilliantly scored from a very tight angle. Once more, Greenbottles seized the reset. Redlegs’ Hadleigh Haynes and Jezabel Ingenito protected their circle as best they could but were outplayed by Toby and Lottie. In the last seconds of the game, a well-timed pass in by Oscar Rowland was picked up and snuck easily into the goal by Alice.
U16 Results – Dartmoor
Goal scorers: Mason White (D), Nate Harris (D), Eddie Dolphin (D), Lachlan Robertson (T)
Best on Ground: Bree Ellis (D)
Another warm day greeted players and spectators for the grand finale, with both teams ready for a fast and competitive game of hockey.
Dartmoor entered the final well rested after enjoying a week off following their semi-final victory, while Tatiara came into the match with determination from their elimination final against Greenbottles the previous week.
The opening minutes were evenly matched, with both sides settling into the game and working hard to find their rhythm. Dartmoor managed to break through first, putting the opening goal on the scoreboard. Tatiara responded strongly and soon found an equaliser, setting up an exciting contest.
Tatiara worked tirelessly in attack, looking to take control of the game and putting pressure on the Dartmoor defence. Dartmoor remained composed, stuck to their game plan and continued to work hard across the field.
Their patience and teamwork eventually paid off, with Dartmoor finding the back board twice more. Dartmoor’s goalkeeper was outstanding throughout the match, making several important saves and shutting down Tatiara’s shots on goal.
Dartmoor held their composure through the final stages to secure a well-deserved 3–1 victory and claim the grand final win.
Congratulations to Dartmoor on finishing the season as champions.
Women’s Results – Kingston/Lucindale 5 def Dartmoor 2
Goal scorers: Tahlia Maynard 2 (KL), Anne Freeman 2 (KL), Judy Hartnett (KL),
Grace Gale (D), Brooke Green (D)
Best on Ground: Tahlia Maynard (KL)
After more than two decades, the Kingston Lucindale Rangers women returned to the Grand Final stage, taking on an undefeated Dartmoor side.
It was a beautiful warm spring day—perfect conditions for the spectators, but the heat added another challenge for the players as they prepared for what would be a fast and physical contest.
K/L entered the game as the underdogs but came out determined to prove themselves. The Rangers made their intentions clear early, pushing forward and opening the scoring in the first quarter when Anne Freeman found the deflection and sent the ball into the back of the goal.
Dartmoor responded quickly with an equaliser, setting the tone for what was shaping up to be a high-pressure, attacking game of hockey.
Rather than allowing Dartmoor’s reply to halt their momentum, the Rangers lifted again and regained the lead. Kelsey Hartnett sent a great pass towards goal, where her mum, Judy Hartnett, was waiting to deflect it into the back of the net. The pace remained high, with both sides having surges into attack. Dartmoor defended strongly and used the width of the field well to create opportunities and move the ball quickly into their attacking half.
K/L continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with another goal before half-time, with Tahlia Maynard finding the back of the net to give the Rangers a 3–1 lead going into the break.
The third quarter proved to be one of the toughest of the match. With the temperature taking its toll and the pressure of a Grand Final building, both teams had to dig deep. Neither side was willing to give an inch, setting up a huge final quarter with everything still on the line.
Heading into the fourth, both teams knew it was make or break. The Rangers came out playing like a team determined not to let an opportunity more than 20 years in the making slip through their fingers. Kelsey Hartnett struck early in the final quarter to extend K/L’s lead, but once again Dartmoor refused to go away, quickly answering with another goal of their own.
With Dartmoor continuing to fight, K/L pushed again, and Tahlia Maynard found her second goal of the match to seal the result. From there, the Rangers held strong until the final siren to secure an incredible 5–2 Grand Final victory.
After waiting since 2001 for another opportunity on the Grand Final stage, the Kingston Lucindale Rangers women are premiers!
Men’s Results – Redlegs 6 def Greenbottles 3
Goal scorers: Jordan Millhouse 5 (R), CJ Arnold (R), Cameron Taylor 2 (G), Matt McGregor (G)
Best on Ground: Jordan Millhouse (R)
As the afternoon sun set in, the Redlegs and Greenbottles men’s teams took the field to face off in the grand final for the third year in a row.
The game was very fast paced right from the start, putting all the spectators on the edge of their seats. Redlegs was the first to convert, with Jordan Millhouse scoring off of a short corner. Greenbottles kept the persistence and didn’t let the goal put them down. Cameron Taylor closely followed with a score for Greenbottles. The 1st quarter ended with a 1 all score.
The second quarter begun again with a lot of pace, with Jordan Millhouse scoring 2 early goals for Redlegs. The play got a little intense with multiple passes between both teams. Another short corner for greenbottles was rewarded with a goal from Matt McGregor. Powerhouse Jordan millhouse replied with a goal for reds making that 4 goals for him and his team. Half time score was 4 – 2.
The third quarter consisted of intense pressure from both teams attacking and defending players. With back and forth play throughout the pitch, Greenbottles managed to get a run into their attacking line, causing Cameron Taylor to come in and finish the quarter with his second goal of the match.
Whilst the final quarter was long for the exhausted and hot players, the pressure was still sky high. Redlegs managed to score another two goals throughout the final minuets of the match, bringing them into a 3 goal lead. As the final whistle was blown, the supporters cheered, and players relieved. Both teams did their clubs incredibly proud. What a great way to finish the 2026 Naracoorte and District Hockey Association season.