Twin sisters Yianna and Angelique Ross have become an integral part of Belmont's rise, helping the Lions break a 22-year finals drought before playing key roles in last year's historic A Grade premiership.
The pair arrived at Belmont as teenagers after taking an unconventional path into netball.
"Angelique and I grew up as tennis players, so we didn't start netball until a bit later," Yianna said.
"It's because we used to argue a bit during doubles, so our Mum said, 'Girls, I think you need to get into a team sport'."
The sisters began playing netball in Altona at age 14 and quickly fell in love with the game.
"We were like, wow, this is actually so much fun. We love this sport and we love playing in a team."
After stints with Victorian club Vic Uni, the twins were introduced to Geelong through a former coach and eventually found their home at Belmont.
Since arriving at the Lions, the sisters have helped transform the club's fortunes while building lifelong friendships along the way.
"We've found our best friends for life down at the club," Angelique said.
"To be honest, it doesn't matter what grade you're playing at Belmont, everyone is just one massive friend group."
Their impact became clear in 2024 when Belmont ended a 22-year finals drought. Although the Lions ultimately finished fifth, the season gave the playing group belief that bigger achievements were within reach.
"That year in 2024, we could tell something special was happening," Yianna said.
"It was a really quick rebuild from when we first joined the club. We were thinking, 'Wow, we could actually make history'."
That belief became reality in 2025.
Despite suffering a 43-goal loss to Thomson in the second semi-final, Belmont regrouped and produced one of the club's most memorable victories, defeating the Tigers in the grand final to claim its first A Grade premiership since 2002.
The triumph was made even more remarkable by the absence of Angelique, who ruptured her ACL in the second semi-final and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
"I've never been that person to get injured," Angelique said.
"As soon as it happened, I knew instantly. My heart just sank."
While unable to take the court, Angelique remained determined to support her teammates through the finals campaign.
"My aim was just to be there for the girls because I knew they could do it," she said.
"We'd worked so hard through the year and there was genuinely nothing that could stop them."
For Yianna and her teammates, the mission became clear.
"Once we realised we could actually do it, we said we're going to do it for Angelique," Yianna recalled.
"Even though she didn't get to play those last few weeks, she was 110 per cent part of the reason why we won."
Although sidelined, Angelique was still able to join her teammates on stage to celebrate the premiership success.
"It was really special," she said.
"I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to get up there and get a medal, but it was a dream come true."
Now, the 2026 season has delivered a full-circle moment for the sisters.
Last year Angelique represented the Geelong Raiders in Interleague while Yianna watched from the sidelines. This year, the roles have reversed.
Yianna has earned selection in the Raiders squad, while Angelique will support the team from the bench as she continues her recovery and serves as team manager.
"Not being able to play this year is a bit heartbreaking but knowing that Yianna's going to be out there makes it so much more worth it," Angelique said.
Yianna was thrilled when Interleague coach Shannyn Leach offered her a place in the squad.
"I was so stoked when Shannyn asked me to come into the team this year," she said.
"To represent Belmont as part of the league is really special."
Angelique believes her sister's selection is a reward for the work she has put into developing her game.
"This year Yianna has genuinely come leaps and bounds with her netball," she said.
"The extra work is obviously paying off and she deserves this opportunity."
As the Ross twins prepare for another Interleague campaign, they remain committed to the club that has become home.
After helping Belmont rise from finals outsiders to premiers, the sisters are determined the Lions' success story is only just beginning.
