Shepparton North and Lemnos return to Shepparton District Tennis Association grand final

And arguably, both sides enter stronger than their last grand final meeting.

Last summer, Shepparton North were the cream of the crop all season, boasting a record four wins better than second-placed McEwen Reserve Red.

This year the same can be said, but now North have a flawless campaign to boot.

In its unblemished title defence so far, Shepparton North has claimed 10 wins, with the draw on its record determined due to a weather-affected round.

That weekend was placed to be against Lemnos, meaning the pair of clubs have only battled once this season, stretching back to mid-November in round five.

Lemnos suffered defeat 3-32 to 6-44 in that clash, a surprisingly large loss according to Shepparton North’s Kellie Crosier, who expects Friday’s final to be far tighter.

“On that particular night I thought it would’ve been closer, they may or may not have had a full strength side on the court that week though,” Crosier said.

“I don’t expect the same for the grand final ... everyone’s in good form after Country Week.

“I wouldn’t say we’re going in overly confident.”

That Lemnos loss was one of only two defeats for its eight-game season - Lemnos was on the end of more weather or bushfire-related match cancellations than Shepparton North, with the latter’s affected rounds more times than not coinciding with their bye weeks.

Hence, despite a four-win gap between North and Lemnos, the reigning runner up finishers enter this year’s grand final with better form, to boot with the chip on its shoulder.

Lemnos’ Julie McClelland stated her side has just one new player compared to last year’s grand final team, and has faith everyone who tasted defeat in 2025 will give it their all to have a change of tune.

“Shepparton North are a strong side, we know that, so we’re looking to be as competitive as we can,” McClelland said.

“We’ve only had one new player this year so our team’s been consistent for the last few years.

“That goes for Shepp North too, we know their players well, and when it’s only a five-team competition you get to know your opponents and they’re good people, so it’ll be a great night of tennis played in good spirits.”

In addition, a final round upset to McEwen Reserve Red could be the reality check needed to spark grand final revenge, with a 9-54 to 0-26 semi-final illustrating the message has been heard loud and clear - at least subconsciously perhaps, anyway.

“We don’t really think back on it too seriously, we just take it week by week and try our best on the day,” McClelland said.

“Team chemistry is the key for us, we enjoy the social part of it too and we play our best when we’re enjoying ourselves.”

Both McClelland and Crosier view each match-up on Friday as evenly poised, and in a tight knit tennis community, familiar faces will be across the net, with Crosier anticipating to play against midweek teammates in her rubbers.

However, two key points of difference should be taken note for what determines this year’s champion.

For Shepparton North, there’s a view if the men’s singles deliver a blow early, it could be the knockout punch.

But Lemnos’ team chemistry stacks up, meaning should they get the ascendancy in the doubles, don’t be surprised if a late comeback has onlookers on the edge of their seats until the final serve.

So, can the kings in the north who have yet to falter all season serve one final ace? Or will Lemnos’ ferocious finals form beckon a grand final day upset?

The Goulburn Valley tennis world will find out when the first racquet is swung at 6:30pm at McEwen Reserve Tennis Club on Friday.