Netball
12 September, 2024
HDFNL GF Preview: Hateley stepping up another gear
Rylee Hateley played in her first A-grade netball premiership at the age of 13 in 2019. In 2022 and 2023, she was part of the team, but mainly from the bench. In 2024, she stepped up into wing defence, made it her own, and has become one of the best in the league over the last two months.
Hateley is excited for Saturday and is ready, describing the team as a family.
"I am very excited, and it's even better with the same group of girls; we are like a big family - a group of sisters," Hateley said.
"Having the opportunity to be part of the team for five years is very exciting."
When asked what has improved her netball this year, Hateley referred to Horsham Crossfit.
"The whole strength component, cardio, strength conditioning, and that sort of thing has helped my netball on the fitness side of things," Hateley said.
"The girls have also been good in helping me find my spot in my position. Ema Iredell teaches me a lot of defense and provides support, and Maddi yells at me occasionally and tells me what I can and can't do.
"They were both my coaches when I was in Moddies; Ema was a slack coach, and Maddi was great, and to play with them in another grand final is special."
Hateley knows her battle with Ally Hiscock will be the key and is ready for battle.
"She is definitely a great player, and I need to stick to her and get an intercept where I can, but she is hard to shut down."
"I just need to keep making sure I keep up with her and get the hands on the balls when I can, and I am confident I can do that."
Having been there before, Hateley is not nervous about heading into the grand final and is looking forward to hopefully walking away with the win, but she knows it will be tough.
"It will be a lot more pressure, but us girls have been together for so many years, and we always gel together and work together as a team," Hateley said.
"Rupanyup is a great team, and we know it will be anyone's game, and we just need to bring that intensity for four quarters.
"Bec has been sending us inspiring quotes, and everyone is ready to give 110% for solid quarters as we are hungry for the premiership."
"We have a great bunch of girls that go well, back each other up, get along, and always give 110%, and hopefully, that is what can get us over the line on Saturday."