After no action on the netball court in 2020, the HDFNL has returned with a bang in 2021, with everyone trying to hunt down a clear premiership tilt.

Despite a mid-season pause due to a COVID-19 related lockdown in June, the league and clubs have managed the season and its challenges admirably.

But with fixture uncertainty in play once again, every team will face a tense run to the finals.

The Wimmera Mail-Times runs their eyes over the competition.

10 wins, 0 losses, 40 points, 272.07 per cent

Despite more than 12 months without a return to the court, the Laharum Demons have been sublime in 2021, piecing together a formidable premiership defence so far.

Through the first ten games of the season the Demons have seen off all challenges, their closest contest was a nine-goal win over Noradjuha Quantong in round two.

It's hard to find a weakness in a team that boasts Erin Mellington in attack, Rebecca McIntyre in defence and Olivia Jones through the midcourt.

The only question that remains is; can they handle the weight of expectations when September action rolls around?

Next match proposed: Kanvia Leeor United (home)

9 wins, 1 loss, 36 points, 168.73 per cent

The Bombers have been the Demons nearest challenger, but they're also in the middle of a tense fight for a top-three finish.

In round six Harrow Balmoral and the Bombers played a one-goal thriller, which has made a clear difference to the ladder positions.

The Bombers have an exciting blend of experience and skill, with Shannon Couch and Georgia Lowe in goals helping to guide the Bombers on their winning run.

Between now and the end of the year the Bombers will be working hard to keep improving to give themselves the best chance at causing a September upset.

Next match proposed: Kalkee (away)

8 wins, 2 losses, 32 points, 158.06 per cent

The Cougars have put together an impressive campaign on the court in 2021 and they now have their sights set firmly on September action.

Walking into the unknown the Cougars have lost just two matches in 2021, with a 20-goal defeat at the hands of the Roos and a seven-goal loss from the Bombers.

But after a season of improvement, Kaniva will be eying a round 11 clash with Laharum where they can really see where they are at.

Next match proposed: Laharum (away)

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8 wins, 2 losses, 32 points, 153.99 per cent

The 2019 preliminary finalists are on track for a deep September run in 2021, but there is still some room for improvement as the season comes to a close.

A narrow loss to the Bombers has cost them some places on the ladder at this stage of the season, but the Roos will be more concerned with being blown out of the water by the Demons by 22-goals in round nine.

Coach Ebonie Salter will be leaving nothing on the table in the final weeks of the season as she looks to find the improvement needed to help guide her side to the last weeks of the year.

Next match: Swifts (away)

6 wins, 4 losses, 24 points, 117.72 per cent

The Storm are firmly in the finals conversation, but there is some work to be done after a reality check against Laharum after being defeated by 28 goals.

A highlight for the Storm was their 13-goal win over the Swifts in round seven with Penny Fisher and Georgia Batson leading the way.

In the lead-up to finals the Storm will need to recapture that form if they are to take a scalp in September.

Next match proposed: Rupanyup (away)

5 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 22 points, 113.40 per cent

The Swifts are in the middle of an intense mid-table scrap for a finals place, with just six points separating sixth to eighth on the ladder.

The Swifts have faced challenges on and off the court in 2021, and are still holding on to sixth spot.

A round 10 draw with Natimuk United was one of the games of the season, but it could be costly for the Swifts who have a tough match-up against the Roos to come.

Michaela Armer has had a fine season for the Swifts in goals, while Erin Freeland has been lively in defence.

Next match proposed: Harrow Balmoral (home)

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4 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw, 18 points, 88.41 per cent

Before the 2021 season was halted once again, the Rams had been involved in a massive month of games that included clashes with Laharum, Jeparit-Rainbow, Kalkee and Swifts.

From this tough stretch of games, Natimuk played out two thrillers with a one-goal upset of Kalkee and a 40-40 draw with the Swifts.

These six points have kept the Rams in the hunt for an unlikely finals berth, but they will need to keep winning and playing with the same vigor if they are to make the top six from here.

Next match proposed: Pimpinio (away)

4 wins, 6 losses, 16 points, 113.04 per cent

To start the 2021 season, Kalkee looked like a dangerous opposition with narrow losses to both the Storm and the Cougars showing they could match it with the best.

Despite the early defeats the Kees gathered some momentum, before a further three tough losses to finals fancies the Swifts, Natimuk and Harrow Balmoral.

Unable to defeat any teams above them has hurt Kalkee's finals chances, even though their healthy percentage shows eighth place on the ladder is too low.

With a tough match against the Bombers up next Jaymi O'Connor and her squad will be out to prove a point and keep their fleeting finals dream alive.

Next match proposed: Noradjuha Quantong (home)

2 wins, 8 losses, 8 points, 56.69 per cent

2021 has been tough for the Saints, but they scored two wins despite the challenges.

A six goal win over Pimpinio was an early season highlight in round two with Georgia Baxter on fire on the day.

The Saints also scored another win in round 10 with an 11-goal win over the Panthers.

The Saints have a bye up next, but they will be desperate to score another win before the 2021 season is done.

Next match proposed: Taylors Lake (away)

Rupanyup

1 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, 6 points, 68.37 per cent

There has been just one draw for the Panthers so far in 2021, but the year is not over yet.

In round five the Panthers and the Tigers couldn't be split after an hour play, tied on 42 each.

In 2019 the Panthers also struggled on the court with just one win to their name.

So they will be desperate to turn the tide before the end of the year and get the winning feeling back.

Next match proposed: Jeparit Rainbow (home)

1 win, 8 losses, 1 draw, 6 points, 50.81 per cent

It is a similar story for the Tigers who have had a challenging season.

The crowd was stunned at Pimpinio in round five when a draw was the result of the clash between the Tigers and Panthers.

Pimpinio had been behind at every major break, but they couldn't be shaken as they held on to grab the two points.

Percentage will play a part in the final standings on the ladder, so the Tigers will want to continue to give their best to give themselves of getting off the bottom of the table.

Next match proposed: Natimuk United (home)

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Next week, the Stawell Times-News will look into your HDFNL football team's report card.

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