ALL eyes will be on McDonald Park today when Millicent and North Gambier face off in the Western Border Netball Association A Grade grand final.
Both teams have been the front runners in the competition this year, but the Saints will go into the clash as favourites, chasing their 10th consecutive A Grade premiership.
North has been unable to defeat Millicent up to this point in the season, but pushed hard until the final term in the second semi-final just two weeks ago.
North star shooter Caroline Davey was sidelined for the season early in that clash, while for the Saints an ankle injury saw Lisa Duldig also under another injury cloud.
Young gun Ellie Gould stepped up for the Tigers last week when North caused an upset over 2017 runner-up East Gambier in last week’s preliminary final.
North is certainly carrying some momentum into the clash, but the Saints will not bow down easily as they chase a history-making win.
North Gambier
NORTH Gambier will go into its A Grade Western Border netball grand final cash with Millicent as the underdog tomorrow.
The loss of star shooter Caroline Davey due to a ruptured achilles in the second semi-final weighs heavily on the side, but based on the Tigers’ performance against East Gambier in the preliminary, the Saints will have to work hard for the win.
North came out all guns blazing last week and with some reshuffling of the lineup, finished seven goals clear of the Bulldogs at the final whistle.
“We were really determined and unsure of how (last) Saturday was going to play out,” coach Noni McConnell said.
“We gave it everything and the girls played with absolute determination.”
North will take confidence from that performance, but McConnell said it will not take away from the weight of the task at hand.
“You do not take the game lightly against Millicent,” she said.
“We were right with them in the semi up until three-quarter time and at times I think we had them at stages.
“We are going to look back at our list and refresh and have a good crack at it.”
McConnell is aware Millicent has been the team to beat for a long time now, but she remains positive going into the match.
“We would love to be that team to knock them off before they get their 10th grand final,” she said.
“It is a big ask, but we are all positive.
“Anything can happen in finals.”
Last week saw young gun Ellie Gould excel in the goal circle and she will be one to watch again tomorrow.
“Ellie has improved out of sight this season and really taken that leadership role now in the ring,” McConnell said.
“You can tell she is definitely a finals player.”
She will again fill the hole left by Davey this week and will hope for another standout game.
Joined by the likes of young guns Emily Close and Jordyn Adams – who have also been in form – and North will give it a red-hot crack tomorrow.
“We are lucky we can put Kaitlin Egan into goals, or we have Ash Kalantarian as well as an option.” McConnell said.
“We have quite a bit of depth in our team which is helpful.”
McConnell mentioned the looming threats at either end of the court, in Millicent’s Hayley Dunn and Donna Denton.
“There is a wealth of knowledge those players bring,” she said.
“And Demi (Verbena) too in goal attack, I rate her highly.
“They have lots of key positions we will have to work on.”
McConnell expects the likes of Gould, Close and Egan to thrive in the final’s atmosphere, while Maddie Whaites will also have a critical role.
“She has worked so hard this year working out Donna, so she will be one to look at as well,” McConnell said.
“We have lots of girls who should be watched.”
With a change in coaching staff midway through the season, McConnell could not be happier with how the team has adapted and improved.
She said “anything could happen” today.
Millicent
MILLICENT Netball Club’s A Grade team is set to chase its 10th consecutive Western Border Netball Association premiership when it faces North Gambier today.
The Saints currently hold a perfect record over the Tigers this season, but nothing is for certain in a grand final.
In the second semi-final Millicent accounted for North by 11 points, but the minor premier did not shake off its rival until the final quarter.
The Saints will still carry some confidence into tomorrow’s big game and playing coach Demi Verbena believes in her team’s ability to perform at its best.
“I have complete confidence in my team that each one of the players will go out tomorrow and give it their all,” she said.
“I think if this happens, then we are in with a very good chance.”
Verbena said there is some extra pressure heading into the game, as Millicent chases its 10th premiership in a row.
But the Saints will not dwell on that and have a key focus on winning positions on the court.
The performance of the side can not be faulted this season, with its only loss to West Gambier in an upset at home in Round 14.
Verbena is pleased with her team’s efforts and gave credit to the depth she has to work with as coach.
“I am very proud of the girls this year and I am very lucky to have such a versatile team to work with,” she said.
“Our team has a good mix of experience among the players and I think this shows on court.”
Experience is one thing the Saints are certainly not missing, with a strong core group leading the talented younger players.
“Hayley (Dunn) and Donna (Denton) are going to be important down each end and will lead by example for the younger ones,” Verbena said.
“Lisa (Duldig) is ever reliable in the mid-court and will control our play, but we also have Kimmi (Varcoe) and Madi (Turner) who have formed a great bond down in defence.
“Our youngsters can also hold their own and are well supported on court.
“I have confidence that whoever I put on court will get the job done.”
With Duldig battling a knee injury all season, an ankle injury was added to the burden in the second semi-final against the Tigers.
However, with an extra week to rest, Verbena is confident she will take to the court tomorrow.
On the chance she is not able to compete for the whole game, there is no shortage of depth, with the likes of Hannah and Paige Nitschke, plus Madi Haggett all excelling in the senior ranks when called upon.
“I often forget they are only 15 years old, but their on-court performances and maturity when given court time has been integral to the success we have had this year,” Verbena said.
With the absence of Caroline Davey in the Tigers’ goal circle, Verbena said it changes little for Millicent.
“They have had to change up their attack line and that is something my team will have to adjust to,” Verbena said.
“Injuries, unfortunately are a part of the game and we wish Caroline a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on court in the future.”
Taking the reigns as Millicent’s coach this year, Verbena said it has been a rewarding experience.
“It has been a huge learning experience for me this year, especially seeing the game from a different side,” she said.
“I am very pleased with the outcome so far and am very much looking forward to the challenge.”
