The 1996 season was a good one for the Club as we finished third in the newly named State League and our 17 and Under Division 1 team made the finals of the competition under the coaching of Rod Webster. The strong force in the Club was Jane's dissatisfaction with third place and her continued striving for that little bit extra. She had already produced six players for the State 19 and Under team and five players for the State 21 and Unders. Trudy Gardner was also selected in the State Open team, while Alex Hodge and Anna Coldbeck were named in the Australian 21 and Under squads. In addition, Sally Browning, Alex Hodge and Sam Andrews were named in the 19 and Under Australian development squads. The start of 1997 saw a big change in Netball in Australia with the advent of the National Netball League (NNL). This change had a significant impact on Matrics as we lost Trudy Gardner, Sally Browning and Allie Tucker to the Adelaide Ravens, while Alex Hodge was also absent for most of season playing with the Thunderbirds. This was also the last year the Grand Final was to be held at the Clipsal Powerhouse, so no stone was left unturned to ensure that Matrics were successful in 1997. Emma Sutter was recruited to be captain coach of our Reserves team and even greater emphasis was put on skill training in our junior grades. It is now history that in 1997, 25 years after our Club was formed, Matrics WON the State League premiership defeating Contax in the last historic game at the Clipsal Powerhouse.

The Grand Final Winning Squad

Cassie Mogg Goal Shooter

Anna Coldbeck Goal Attack

Tiff Forbes Wing Attack

Alex Hodge Centre

Lou Dickenson Wing Defence

Sam Andrews Goal Defence

Allie Parrot Goal Keeper

Subs Diana Bowen

Jaqui Roberts

Emma Sutter

Coach Jane Woodlands

Manager Candy Thompson

Physio Jim Mack