LAKE Boga will be hoping to end 21 years of heartache tomorrow afternoon by booking a long-awaited grand final spot.
But standing in their way will be perennial finalists Swan Hill, desperate to right their own wrongs and go straight into their second consecutive decider.
Lake Boga netball president Sheridan Harrop expecting another tough encounter against the experienced Swans.
“Our girls have had a great year and we’re very proud of their efforts, but finals are a different ball game and we need to go in ready and prepared to go up another level,” Harrop told The Guardian this week.
“Swan Hill are pretty tough contenders in the league and always have been, but we’ll stay focused on our own goals and own game like we do every week.
“We know (Swan Hill) had a great game on the weekend and were very impressive in the second half, so we’re very aware of how they’re playing at the moment, but I think the two teams are pretty evenly matched across the court.
“It’s been a very close competition throughout the season.”
Swan Hill co-coach Madeleine Nalder said her team’s finals experience will count for little, with their best needed to avoid playing another game next weekend instead of having the week off.
“These are the sorts of games you look forward to and they’re the reason why you play all season,” Nalder said.
“(Lake Boga) are a very good side and have been the benchmark all year, and we’re just looking forward to the challenge.
“They are a bit similar to Woorinen last week and have great scoring power through Sarah and Katie Hepburn, so trying to minimise the ball going into them is going to be a key focus for us.
“In saying that, they are quite strong all over the court, so we’ll need to be calm and play in a composed manner where we can control the ball when we have it, then try and remain in play, apply pressure and work together defensively as a team when we don’t.”
While stopping the Hepburn sisters will take a lot of Swan Hill’s focus, the same can be said for Lake Boga trying to limit Zoe Morris and Ingrid Condely at the other end.
Jemma Meehan will play a key role in defence for the Magpies, along with Sophie and Emma Peacock.
The midcourt battle looms as the key contest however, with Holly Hogan, Lily Brennan and Taigan O’Shannassy all having strong seasons in the black and white, but not possessing the finals experience of their direct opponents Kelsey McCoy, Kelly Bonney and Karli McIntyre.
The Magpies beat the Swans by three goals in round 10.
Harrop said Swan Hill challenged her side in the midcourt, but Woorinen were challenged in the defensive end.
“It could be won or lost anywhere on the court and we just need to be consistent and composed on court, as Swan Hill will too, they’re an experienced team and they’re smart with how they use their players,” Harrop said.
“(Round 10) was a pretty tough contest with plenty of lead changes throughout the game.
“We won’t be underestimating Swan Hill regardless of that result, Saturday is a new game and we know that we need to be at our best to win.
“It will come down to which team can convert the forced errors as much as possible.”
Tip – Lake Boga to win three goals.
