Fresh from being named best on court in the Goannas' win over Wagga Tigers in the AFL Riverina Championship decider on Saturday, the defender again led the charge in a tough 44-41 victory against New Kids Aces.

The Aces, looking to avoid a third straight grand final loss after claiming the 2017 title, led early and rallied several times late in the piece, but the Goannas held on to claim another piece of silverware.

Russell said it was "weird" coming up against Goannas teammates Ash Reynoldson and Rachael Addison, who play for the Aces in the midweek competition.

"It was different playing against them but it was a tough game," she said.

"There wasn't one point where we felt safe, we'd pull away and then they'd come back again. There was nothing in it.

"We used it as an extra training session and even though we only got half a comp in both comps, it felt like we've played so much netball.

"There is so much intensity in the Wednesday night comp as well, especially given a lot of the girls didn't get to play in their usual weekend comp."

The Goannas entered the first grade competition for the first time this year, and mid-courter Mikaela Cole said they're keen to do so again next season.

MCUE also played A-reserves players Alicia Johnson, Maddy McIntyre and Eliza Parker in the competition.

"It really helps with our Saturday competition as well, getting extra match fitness under our belts," Cole said.

"It's really good for the A-reserve girls as well to play against slightly harder opposition.

"It was a very tough game. New Kids got the jump on us slightly early and we managed to stay in front for the next three quarters, but New Kids kept working hard and coming back.

"They kept fighting until the last minute."

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