Netball Super League: An Insight Into The final

Image from @hbavinphoto

The newly professional 2025 Netball Super League has delivered a season full of fierce battles, rising stars, and a growing fanbase, louder than ever.

With the regular season and play-offs now over, just two teams remain, with the NSL champion crowned at an iconic final event. 

Here’s your in-depth look at the matchup of London Pulse and Loughborough Lightning.

London Pulse:

Regular season finish: 1st (12 wins, 2 losses)

London Pulse have taken promising steps this season, with just two defeats all season and wins over all three of their fellow top-four sides.

They enter the finals not just as table-toppers, but as potential history-makers, a thrilling prospect that is sure to excite fans. 

Image from London Pulse X: Pulse with their minor premiers trophy 

The London side has never won the Netball Super League final, losing out to Lightning two seasons ago, Vic Burgess’ team also ended Pulse’s postseason dreams at the semi-final stage in 2022 and 2024.

However, Sam Bird’s side started the season on a high as they won the inaugural Netball Super Cup after facing Leeds Rhinos in the final and they will be looking to carry on their finals success as they face reigning title holders Loughborough Lightning. 

Image from Netball Super League website: Pulse winning the inaugural Super Cup

London Pulse are led by head coach Sam Bird, with long-standing captain Zara Everitt continuing to guide the side through another impressive campaign. 

Their 10-player squad blends experience and emerging talent. Core players Funmi Fadoju, Halimat Adio, Zara Everitt, Alicia Scholes, and Olivia Tchine have all played key roles in reaching the playoffs over the past three seasons and return once again to lead the charge in pink and black.

They are joined by Darcie Everitt and Nichole Breedt (née Taljaard), who both impressed in their first year with the club. Tyler Orr joined from Australia’s Super Netball, while Sophie Kelly and Gracie Smith, represent the club’s commitment to developing the next generation.

Loughborough Lightning:

Regular season finish: 2nd (10 wins, 4 losses)

Lightning knows how to win when it matters; they have appeared in seven finals and have won three titles. With three consecutive finals appearances and back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, they bring experience and clarity to big-game moments.

Image from Loughborough University website: Loughborough winning the 2024 title

Lightning kept their title defence alive with a commanding 69–57 comeback victory over Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final—a repeat of the 2024 Grand Final.

Lightning started strongly, with standout defensive pressure from Shadine van der Merwe against her former side. However, Thunder built on their defensive momentum to open up their lead in the game, putting significant pressure on the Lightning shooters.

As the match progressed, Lightning’s attacking rhythm returned, with goals flowing more freely. A clinical second-half performance saw Lightning regain control and surge clear, sealing their place in a third consecutive Grand Final.

Image from Loughborough Lightning X: Lightning’s Alice Harvey against the Thunder attack

Loughborough Lightning are led by head coach Victoria Burgess, who took over in 2021, and captained by Nat Panagarry, a long-time player since 2015.

They had a strong regular season, losing four matches: losing both matches against new franchise Nottingham Forest, once to Birmingham Panthers, and once to London Pulse, who they will face again in the Major Semi-final.

Their 10-player squad features a mix of returning and new players. New signings this season include Berri Neil, Sammy Wallace-Joseph, Jodie Gibson, and Shadine Van Der Merwe.

Six players returned from last season: Alice Harvey, Belle Baylis, Beth Cobden, Ella Clark, Hannah Joseph, and captain Nat Panagarry, bringing consistency and a winning mindset. 

Major Playoff showdown: Pulse 50–49 Lightning:

Image from hbavinphoto: Preliminary final game between Pulse and Lightning

The last time these sides faced each other, Pulse booked their place in Sunday’s Grand Final after edging out Lightning in a thrilling one-goal victory.

Lightning came out firing and quickly established dominance, capitalising on Pulse’s early shooting struggles.

Despite both sides showing signs of nerves and committing uncharacteristic errors, it was Lightning who maintained control, pushing their lead to five at the break.

Pulse, driven by captain Zara Everitt and the disruptive defensive efforts of Funmi Fadoju, began to chip away at the margin. With six goals to overturn late in the final quarter, Olivia Tchine stepped up.

The England Rose, who was also named player of the match, sank crucial Super Shots in the dying minutes to turn the game on its head.

Lightning maintained impressive structure and shot at 64% accuracy, but Pulse’s resilience and composure under pressure proved the difference, earning them a shot at their first-ever Netball Super League title.

Image from @lborolightning: Preliminary final game between Pulse and Lightning

This Sunday will see London Pulse aim for their first title, while Loughborough Lightning look for a historic three-peat. The O₂ stage is set for a spectacle that could define the league’s path forward.