Netball
12 September, 2024
HDFNL GF Preview: Defenders chemistry the key for the Panthers
Rupanyup's defence has been one of their strengths in 2024, and it will be hard to believe that Victoria Taylor and Lucy Bussenschutt have only played together for eight games.
Taylor moved to Rupanyup from playing with Pimpinio the last two years, gelled into the team straight away, and has been one of their most consistent players at goal defence and will be in contention for their best and fairest.
Taylor said it was a good opportunity to join Rupanyup as it was closer to university.
"I played a lot of my juniors in the Wimmera League and played in a few grand finals there, but decided after two years I would move to Rupanyup as it was a great opportunity," Taylor said.
"Rupanyup is a great team. All of us are strong in our positions, and we knew we would be in the grand final at the start of the year, and now that we are here, we are looking forward to what we can do."
Taylor said she and Lucy clicked when they first played in round 11.
"I don't know what it is. The first quarter I played with Lucy I was like, 'wow, this is amazing'," Taylor said.
"We both knew where each other was, and we talked well, and you rarely find someone you click with straight away, and we have grown and grown and gotten better each week."
Bussenschutt played for Paskeville Magpies in the Yorke Peninsula League, made the A-grade side last year, and lost the grand final by a goal in the last five seconds.
Bianca Drum talked her into coming over because they knew each other in Adelaide and needed a defender. It just worked out for Bussenschutt, and she enjoys driving from Adelaide weekly.
"I don't mind the drive from Adelaide. I think it's fun," Bussenschutt said.
"Hopefully, this year will be better, and we can get the win."
As one of the few grand final-experienced players on the team, Bussenschutt said she would give advice and communicate with all the players where she could.
"You just need to talk, and that is what I aim to do," Bussenschutt said.
"When the ball is in our offense, I can see everything, so I will talk, whether it's encouraging team-mates to calm the team down and giving direction or saying something that helps support and build momentum, I'll do it."
"I just want to be a level head, and hopefully that can help, and we can get across the line."
Jedda Heard said they are both similar, which makes them click.
"I think that's a credit to them and how they play. They are similar in how they play and know how to adapt to each other, and it's worked out really well," Heard said.