In a rare sporting feat, four local clubs across the Dandenongs, Hills and Yarra Valley have completed perfect seasons in 2025, each going through their respective competitions undefeated and, in most cases, claiming premiership glory to match.
From football ovals to netball courts and baseball diamonds, Star Mail reporter, Shamsiya Hussainpoor caught up with the people behind these successful seasons to learn what it takes to win every single game and where they go from here.
A three-year rise for Mooroolbark’s Senior Women
The Mooroolbark Mustangs Division Two senior women’s football team capped off an incredible journey in 2025 by not only going through the season undefeated but also securing their third consecutive premiership, this time in Division Two.
The Mustangs’ coach Keryn Ralph said the team’s strength goes far beyond what happens on the field.
“Our team culture and the relationships we have within the team have been everything,” she said.
“Culture creates success, success doesn’t create culture. We’ve been able to keep a core group of players together and build around that, bringing in girls from our junior under-18 programs over the past two years.”
She said the team’s continued improvement has come from learning more about each other as both people and players.
“That’s allowed us to develop real trust and structure. It’s super exciting to be a part of,” Ms Ralph said.
The Mustangs have lost only five games in three years, winning Division Four in 2023, Division Three in 2024, and now Division Two in 2025.
But even with success, challenges remained.
“One of the hardest things this year was maintaining momentum and motivation, the girls have had two great seasons already, and keeping them grounded and focused was really important,” Ms Ralph said.
Mustangs captain Jordyn Doevelaar said the group’s connection made the final triumph even sweeter.
“We couldn’t be more proud of this group, they are such an amazing bunch to lead,” she said.
“For some, it was a three-peat. For others, it was their first grand final win. The emotion and determination across all was fantastic. The support from our families, friends, coaches, support staff and the club was amazing, we all absolutely enjoyed the moment and the celebrations that followed.”
Warburton-Wesburn Women make history in year two
Across the region, the Warburton-Wesburn Senior Women’s Football Team also had plenty to celebrate after completing their second-ever season in the Outer East Football Netball Competition and finishing it undefeated.
The team not only made history by winning the Women’s Division Two premiership but will now step up into Division One next year.
The club’s coach Ashley Taylor said it’s been a rapid rise built on strong foundations.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what this group has achieved,” she said.
“To go undefeated and win a premiership in just our second season is unbelievable, but it’s no fluke, it’s the result of hard work, sacrifice, and a culture where every player puts the team first.”
Ms Taylor said the squad came into 2025 with a renewed focus on fitness and game smarts.
“But more than that, we built a team-first environment where everyone backs each other in,” she said.
“We gelled both on and off the field. That’s what set this season apart.”
Managing game time and injuries proved to be one of the year’s toughest balancing acts.
“We had to make sure everyone got opportunities while still putting our best side forward,” Ms Taylor said.
“But the depth and resilience of this squad really shone through.”
Co-captain Rachael Maxwell said the bond among teammates played a massive role in their success.
“This team has become like family, we’ve pushed each other at training, lifted each other on game day, and celebrated every moment together,” she said.
“Winning the premiership was the ultimate reward for the effort everyone put in.”
Her fellow co-captain, Ms Emmerson Woods, said the team is ready for the next challenge.
“The premiership was the best day. Now that we’ve achieved that, I’m excited for the next chapter in Division One,” she said.
“It will be a great challenge for us as a team, and I think we’ll be competitive.”
Club president David Swankie reflected on a historic season for Warburton-Wesburn across the board.
“We’ve strived for many years to build an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported,” he said.
“That’s reflected in the strong numbers we have in both our netball and football programs. All five of our netball teams and our under-18 boys football team also made finals this year, which is a fantastic reward for the club.”
Croydon Netball celebrates clean sweep and individual honours
It was a dominant year for Croydon’s Premier Division netball team, who powered through the Eastern Football Netball League season undefeated and capped it off with a premiership win.
Their campaign was recognised with four players named in the 2025 EFNL Ringwood Mazda Premier Division Team of the Year, including Sarah Szczykulski, who was also named captain of the team.
She was joined by Ellarnah Hanlen, Lucy Bult and Brodie Smith, capping off a season of total control on court.
The club shared its pride on social media, saying: “What a year for our netball team. After going undefeated in 2025 and winning the premiership, it is no surprise our girls take four out of 10 spots in the team of the year. Go Blues!”
Knox Baseball’s Junior program leads the way
While many clubs are celebrating single-team perfection, Knox Baseball Club is basking in a junior program that delivered success across the board.
According to the club’s committee member Todd Sadler, the club’s Under 13 Minors, Under 13 Majors and Under 15 Hawks all went undefeated in the home-and-away season, with the Under 13 Minors and Under 15 Falcons both going on to win premiership flags.
“The focus within our club this season has been on our junior players developing a sense of community and having fun,” Mr Sadler said.
“When those things are in place, success on the field tends to follow.”
Club president Rob Sadler said all five of the club’s junior Falcons teams made grand finals, representing around 100 players in total and four teams were crowned minor premiers.
“We’ve worked really hard over the past few years to grow the program in a sustainable way and make sure players want to stick around,” Mr Sadler said.
“This season is really the result of that hard work, we’ve created a place where junior baseballers can have fun and develop their skills.”
He said the club’s approach to training has helped strengthen connections across the board.
“We train all juniors on the same night as our senior program,” he said.
“It’s a logistical challenge, but the crossover between juniors and seniors is so valuable, it creates mentorship and builds a real sense of unity across the club.”
Mr Sadler said the Under 15 grand final was especially significant, with two Knox teams, the Falcons and Hawks facing off in a tightly contested match.
“That was a particularly memorable moment,” he said.
“It was a thrilling game, and all the grand finals were closely contested. Even the teams that didn’t win were right in it until the last strike. The atmosphere, the sportsmanship, it was everything we love about baseball.”
Perfection rooted in people, not just points
Across codes and competitions, a common thread runs through each of these undefeated seasons – connection, culture, and commitment.
Whether it’s Mooroolbark’s steady rise, Warburton-Wesburn’s rapid success, Croydon’s netball dominance or Knox’s thriving junior base, these clubs have proven that perfect seasons aren’t just about scoreboards, but rather they’re built on years of investment in people and community.
