WENTWORTH’S undefeated SFNL netball regular season has been founded on elite structures displayed at both ends of the court, and at the heart of their defensive wall sits Natalie Vercher, the last Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for 2025.
The goal keeper has been a pillar of consistency this campaign, helping Wentworth charge into the finals series with a perfect 16-0 record.
Their most recent 53-33 victory over South Mildura was another example of profound defensive fortitude, with Vercher and back court partner in crime Courtney Wakefield once again proving almost impenetrable.
Across the season, the pair have over overseen a defence which has conceded at least 149 fewer goals than any other side in the competition.
“It’s been good, we’re happy going through undefeated, it’s always nice to finish on top at the end of the year,” said Vercher.
“We work really hard throughout the year and that’s really obvious in the way that we play.
“We play for each other, and I think everyone’s just really excited for finals this year to be honest, ready for the fun part to start.”
Vercher applauded the team-first mindset present among her Roos outfit as well as their trademark pressure applied right across the court, which have been considerable factors behind Wentworth’s defensive success.
“We just work really well as a team, I think the amount of work that the girls do in our defensive pressure coming all the way from, our goal shooter, all the way through the midcourt to then build that pressure,” she said.
“By the time it comes to the end of the court where I am, I think that puts us in a really good position to get those turnovers, but I think we just work really well as a unit, I think we’re really hungry for the ball and I just don’t think that we’re going to stop until that ball is in our hands.”
Wentworth’s dominance hasn’t been maintained by their plethora of talent alone, as Vercher highlights the competitive environment manufactured during training as another defining reason.
“It’s tough doing it season after season, but I think everyone’s desire to want to be the best team in the league has really helped and there’s really good camaraderie within our team and also good competition,” she said.
“We work as an A-B squad, so there’s been a lot of changing positions meaning you have to fight really hard for your position on the team as well and I think that’s really healthy because it makes us work harder, we work together but at some point we’re also trying to compete for one spot that we want.
“So, I think it’s that really healthy competition that kind of keeps driving us as well and then wanting to be better than our competition as well.”
With an unbeaten record still firmly intact, Vercher and her team’s focus has swiftly shifted to delivering more unstoppable performances in the post-season having earned a week’s break due to their first place finish.
“It’s just about taking it one week at a time, we know we get the first week off, so it’ll be good to sort of sit back and watch the other teams from a different perspective and see what they do,” said Vercher.
“I think for us it’s just about staying cool, calm and collected, it’s worked for us through the season, so we just need to keep that going.
“And I think just keeping the vibe up but not overthinking everything too much, just taking it each week as it comes will be the way that we sort of tackle the next couple of weeks.”
With finals starting this weekend, Wentworth’s crucial defensive anchor has illustrated that the premiership is the only finish line that matters while she has also adored the solidarity that her team’s netball has demonstrated this year.
“Honestly, I’ve just enjoyed playing so much this season, I get to play with my best mates and it’s great that we’re back on top, finishing the season first so far,” said Vercher.
“I think for me, just the hunger towards the end of the year, this for us as a team is where the exciting part starts.
“But we just want to finish with that premiership Cup in our hands and that’s a big driver for me and for the whole team.”
As the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for round 18, Vercher receives a $150 voucher for the Mildura Golf Resort.
