James Murphy
NORTH Gambier A Grade netballers will enter the inaugural Limestone Coast Football Netball League grand final day expecting a tough four-quarter contest.
The Tigers meet West Gambier for the second time this finals campaign, with their previous meeting decided by a solitary goal.
North came from behind to clinch the win in the qualifying final, withstanding a late charge from the Roos to book the first place in the premiership match.
Speaking to coach Kaitlin Egan this week she expected nothing less than a repeat of that physical clash.
“Hopefully we can get the job done,” she said.
“Our lead up has been good and we are feeling pretty good and feeling confident.”
Egan said a slow start put the pressure on her side in the qualifying final.
“They came out firing and it was pretty close in that first quarter and then the second quarter was when they really started to get on top of us,” she said.
“We were down by seven goals when I made changes partway through that second quarter.”
Those changes proved rewarding and in the final quarter the Tigers were up by five goals before West reeled it back in to one by the final whistle.
Despite plenty of youth in the roster, North will look for that same composure this Saturday.
The week off was beneficial to observe their rivals against Millicent on Saturday, aiding in the preparation process.
“Watching West on the weekend they looked very schmick and very sleek to have a convincing win over Millicent – it was probably a bit unexpected to win by that much,” Egan said.
“We still have a big week of preparations but we are looking forward to it.”
Their previous encounter showcased full-court pressure for four quarters and more of the same is anticipated in the title clash.
“It was a really good game in the semi-final to come from behind and just hold on to win by a goal,” Egan said.
“That was pretty exciting.
“It has been a long time since North has actually been in a grand final for A Grade.
“I think the last time I played at North was the last grand final we played in and (North) haven’t actually won a grand final in 19 years.”
Egan returned to the club as playing coach this season following a stint at Penola.
She has been pleased with the response from her team and credited the seamless transition to the success North has had in 2024.
“We have a really good group of girls,” Egan said.
“We have worked hard this year to get them used to me and my systems and how I like things to be done.
“They have responded really well and I have had lots of buy in from them which is great.
“That is the way you can get to a grand final – by having buy in from your players – and I have definitely experienced that this year.”
North has plenty of in-form talent at its disposal, with Egan finishing runner-up best and fairest at the weekend’s league presentations, while the likes of Brianna Walters, Mel Renko and young shooter Macey Griffiths – to name a few – are all dangerous.
“I think we are pretty consistent throughout the court,” Egan said.
“We have some options and we have nine girls in our team.”
West goal shooter and league best and fairest Sarah Ritter looms as a key threat and Egan said there would be a focus on limiting her influence.
How each match-up shapes up will be revealed on the day, but spectators can expect a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season.
