With options few, the opposition tries a bounce pass but Rohan knocks it away and Blain gathers.

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She looks up court and finds Jo Couch in the middle third. Jemmah Lynch leads, gets a metre on her opponent and catches the ball at the top of the circle. The opposition is playing tight defence but Chelsea Quinn provides a decoy and clears space for Steph Townsend.

Lynch fires it in. Townsend grabs the ball, quickly swings around and finds her balance.

She shoots - swish!

Similar to Warrnambool and District league footy, the A grade netball competition has been highly competitive this year. Hampden league recruits have added to the league's depth and it's been exciting to see the further improvement of teams like Timboon Demons, Panmure and Russells Creek.

It's been an up-and-down year with state government coronavirus lockdowns meaning we missed rounds eight, nine, 14, 15 and 17.

The season is again in limbo with the latest coronavirus lockdown which will last until at least Thursday September 2. Let's hope the finals get played because any of the top-five are a genuine premiership chance.

Unbeaten Nirranda is the forerunner and the Blues have been exceptional especially because they're missing players to season-ending injuries such as Cloe Marr and Lisa Couch. They were among many of the league's stars who suffered injuries this year.

Here are The Standard's WDFNL A grade team of the year selections.

Goal keeper: Jess Rohan (Panmure)

Made a smooth transition to the Bulldogs and has been vital in their rise up the ladder. Often takes the best attacking player and makes it difficult for the other team to score and claim rebounds. Was named the Bulldogs' best on six occasions and is a good chance for the league best and fairest. Lisa Anders was another goal keeper that had a terrific year for Nirranda. She was named the Blues' best player three times in the year she played her 150th WDFNL game.

Goal defence: Alicia Blain (Timboon Demons)

Another one that could claim the league best and fairest. Incredible year after crossing from Hampden league club, Cobden. Was named her team's best player five times and was in the best almost every week in a strong side.

Wing defence: Grace Bell (Old Collegians)

Hit a rich run of form from round 10 being named her team's best in rounds 10, 11, 13 and 16. Was in the Warriors' best six times in her first year at the club after crossing from Koroit.

Centre: Jo Couch (Nirranda)

Has made a great return to the Blues' line-up after not playing in the 2019 campaign. On fire from round four onward earning a nod in the best players eight times, including best-on-court performances in round seven and 13.

Wing attack: Jemmah Lynch (Old Collegians)

Wonderful first season after coming across from Hampden league club, Port Fairy. And she took on a new challenge after playing centre in 2019. Lynch was in the Warriors' best players nearly every week and was named their number one on three occasions.

Goal attack: Chelsea Quinn (Old Collegians)

Super accurate and works hard at her craft. Finished second on the goal-scoring table with 438 from the home-and-away season. Stepped up when the experienced Bec Kavanagh went down with injury. Coach Jess Toleman has also spoken highly of the way she has mentored young players.

Goal shooter: Steph Townsend (Nirranda)

Enjoying one of the great Warrnambool and District league careers as a player and coach. Townsend has scored 553 goals at an average of more than 42 a match which is mind-blowing. The team is always the focus for Townsend and she'd love nothing more than for her group to win another premiership this year.

Interchange:

Lena Wright (South Rovers) (GA, GS)

The stats speak for themselves, Wright had a fantastic year under the goals with 327. She finished third on the league goal-scoring tally. Consistently in the Lions' best and was named their best in two instances. Timboon Demons' Hayley Plozza, who finished fourth on the goal-scoring table, was another goalie who enjoyed a great season with 320 goals.

Kelsey Perry (Merrivale) (GD, WD)

The Tigers had such an even spread this season with lots of different names in its best players. Perry, a recruit, was recognised as Merrivale's best on three occasions. Fellow Tigers Jess McKenzie (midcourter), Nicole Ferguson (defender) and Chloe Lovell (shooter) also had strong seasons and featured in the best twice each.

Lisa Pender (Panmure) (Midcourter)

Outstanding first season with the Bulldogs after crossing from the Lions. Best on court for her team twice and made seven appearances in the best players.

Mellissa McKenzie (Timboon Demons) (Centre)

McKenzie got on a roll from round three to round 12 and was in the best seven times. A best-on-court performance came in round 11 against Dennington. Old Collegians' Rachel Alderson also had a ripping year and was in the Warriors' best six times. The reliable centre also notched up her 150th senior game and her 250th club match for the Warriors.

Coach: Steph Townsend (Nirranda)

Puts a mountain of work into her coaching and keeping the Blues up there as a league juggernaut. She led Nirranda to an unbeaten season and they had the best attack (803 for) and defence (380 against).

Captain: Jess Rohan (Panmure)

Just reward for a player that was acknowledged as her team's best on six occasions and in a finals team too. Also has leadership experience as former South Rovers coach.

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