TNL 2025 live stream: Kingston not looking to atone for preliminary final loss in opening clash against Cavaliers

The defending TNL champions, the Northern Hawks, kick started its premiership defence off on the right note as apart of a blockbuster round one fixture. Watch every REPLAY here.

“It’s not a rebuild, it’s a remix.”

Hawks skipper Lydia Coote has heard the talk the loss of some key players could drag them back to the TNL pack.

But actions speak louder than words after a second half comeback ensured their quest for a fourth straight flag began in style against Cripps Waratah on Saturday.

WATCH EVERY ROUND 1 REPLAY BELOW.

With round one and round two matches all held at Launceston’s Silverdome this weekend, the tenure of new Hawks coach Cameron Martin appeared it could be headed for a slow start after the visitors built a 22-18 halftime lead.

But the Hawks showed their championship credentials in the third term, outscoring Cripps Waratah 17-6 to set up a 48-38 win.

It’s clear the Hawks have been using talk the loss of TNL ‘GOAT’ Ash Mawer from their shooting circle, as well as gun centre courters Ellie Marshall, Macy Goninon and Kendall Jones as motivation.

“Obviously losing those players there’s a lot of talent we don’t have, but we really made it a focus we’re not here to rebuild at all,” Martin said.

“We’re still here to compete and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have that attitude.

“For years we’ve played the same brand of netball. It’s about trying to bring my different flair to it (as coach), and it’s worked so far.”

Hawks skipper Lydia Coote looks to pass during Saturday's TNL win over Cripps Waratah. Picture: Netball Tasmania/Minch Media

In a promising sign, former Devon star Grace Close was named player of the match after a standout showing at goal-attack.

“She comes with so much TNL experience playing at Devon,” Martin added.

“She’s slotted in so well for us and it’s working with her strengths and melding her in with (shooters) Dani (Laugher) and Courto (Courtney Treloar), and our midcourters as well.”

Martin said the second half revival was simply down to refocusing at the major break.

“We just took a little longer to settle than we would have liked, but we came back and started playing our game,” he said.

“It was just a refocus we needed at halftime, to do the things we know we can do really well.

“We knew there were a lot of things we weren’t doing well. It was a reminder to the girls we’re better than what we’re putting out there right now.”

After finishing fifth last season, Devon’s quest to break into the top four got off to a strong start with a comfortable 68-30 win over Karana.

Devon led 15-8 at quarter time and were never headed, with Tyrah Bacon finishing with 39 goals and Jessie Eberhardt 20.

Devon takes on South East Suns in round two on Sunday, while Karana has the bye.

In the final game of round one, it was the Cavaliers that again proved they will be a premiership contender with a hard-fought 57-42 win over Kingston.

The Cavs were slow out of the blocks in the preliminary final rematch, despite leading by one goal at the first-break, before they excelled on the defensive end of the court to outscore the Blues in every quarter.

Skipper Hayley McDougall was the difference in attack, finishing with 46 goals.

REPLAYS

Cavs v Kingston (Opens)

Cavs v Kingston (19 & U)

Devon v Karana (Opens)

Devon v Karana (19 & U)

Hawks v Cripps (Opens)

Hawks v Cripps (19 & U)

PREVIEW

While they may be starting the season against the same side that ended their 2024 premiership dreams, Kingston coach Tania McNear says exacting a measure of revenge on the Cavaliers won’t be a focus heading into Saturday’s clash.

The Blues and the Cavs met in a thrilling preliminary final last season with their rematch set to be one of the major Round 1 blockbusters on offer through KommunityTV to kickstart the season.

All six matches across the Opens and U19s competitions will be available LIVE from Launceston’s Silverdome, kicking off with U19s action between Hawks and Cripps from 11am.

The Opens clash between the two clubs will then take centre stage from 12.30pm.

Devon and Karana will then meet in back-to-back clashes before the preliminary final rematch wraps up proceedings at 6.30pm.

The Blues were bested by 19 goals back in July last year and while it ended a dream finals run for her side, McNear is adamant it won’t be mentioned in the lead-up.

“It has not been a focus for us. It’s a new year, a new season, a new team and that game is in the past,” McNear said.

“We reflected upon that semi-final early in the pre-season, just to own our mistakes, including mine, and put it to bed. Focusing on that game isn’t going to help our goals (for round one).

“This game is more about celebrating Emma Johns’ 150th game and I know the team will play their hearts out and enjoy every moment they are on the court because it’s a huge milestone for a netballer to achieve.”

Kingston Blues head coach Tania McNear will lead her side for a second straight season. Picture: Linda Higginson.

Johns will once again co-captain Kingston this season, alongside fellow veteran Nicole Hunt with their leadership and an influx of fresh faces alongside the returning core giving the Blues a genuine shot at going one better in 2025.

“Obviously, our overarching team goal is to go one game better than last season. I don’t think any team heads into the season not wanting that spot in the big dance,” McNear said.

“We were so close last year and of course that hurt when we missed out, but that loss has also made us more determined to grab it with both hands this year.

“The commitment, focus and intensity that the whole team has brought to every session has been very impressive. There isn’t a standout player, they have all bought their best each week. It’s been great watching our new players commit to the TNL pressures and expectations and form connections with other players and coaches.”

Originally published as TNL 2025 live stream: Kingston not looking to atone for preliminary final loss in opening clash against Cavaliers