IT WAS early in the season that Woorinen emerged as a candidate to break Swan Hill’s recent stranglehold on the Central Murray Football Netball League’s A grade competition.
The Swans have been renowned in recent years for their preseason fitness campaigns, and have reaped the benefits on-court with consecutive premierships and few losses.
Respected Tigers coach Naomi Lewis ensured her side followed in the Swans footsteps over the summer and they’ve gone step for step with the competition leaders over the course of the season.
With the inclusion of midcourt player Tessa Burton, the league’s 2014 best and fairest, the Tigers have gone from strength to strength this season, spending plenty of time on top of the ladder.
Their spell as the top dog was brought to an end by the Swans in Round 18, but it didn’t take long for Woorinen to turn the tables once again on Madeleine Foott’s Swans.
The Tigers downed Tooleybuc Manangatang in a thrilling 51-49 qualifying final, winning the right to take on the Swans again in the second semi-final.
Embracing the motto that to be the best you had to beat the best, the Tigers eagerly anticipated taking on the Swans again — fortuitously on their home court on September 6.
The Tigers claimed a nail-biting 54-53 win in extra time following a regulation time tie.
The following day the Saints put paid to a brave Tyntynder, leaving the Swans one last hurdle to make another grand final.
Swan Hill proved too good for Tooleybuc Manangatang, winning 50-34 and booking a spot in the season decider.
Foott was inspirational in getting her side over the line, while Emily Patterson and Kelly Stanger were on song in goals.
Tayla Stanley — Woorinen’s best in the second semi-final — and Amy Cadd will prove crucial in goals, while defensive players Angela Young and Jaya Blandthorn will be important for the Tigers.
The Swans’ defence will consist of Foott, Mollie Quin and Rachel Moloney.
Expect a tight game either way, but Woorinen has shown it can beat the Swans after the second semi-final win.
SHERIDAN HARROP’S TIP: Woorinen
