Netball
12 September, 2024
HDFNL GF Preview: Demons and Panthers to fight for glory
The Horsham District Football Netball League netball A-grade grand final, which will be held at North Park in Stawell on Saturday, is set to be electrifying. Laharum is entering its fifth consecutive grand final. Having been runners-up the last two years, they are ready to fire, using that as extra motivation on Saturday. The Panthers are in their first grand final since 1986.
Laharum has the most experience, which could play a pivotal role on Saturday. In their last win in 2019, they had five players from the current squad: Maddison Iredell, Emalie Iredell, Caitlin Jones-Story, Rylee Hateley, and Rebecca McIntyre. Olivia Jones-Story has played in the previous two.
The last time these two teams played, Laharum won by a goal. Coach Rebecca McIntyre said that doesn't count for anything, as finals is a new game.
"You can't count what happens in the season. It's 0-0, and we know we need to play 110% over four quarters to get the win," McIntyre said.
"The Finals are a goalie's game, and that has been shown previously. You must be as accurate as possible; the most accurate team will win. If Zanaiya Bergen and Caitlin Jones-Story shoot 40 goals each, you know it will be close.
"With our defence end, we try and take away from the second shots, which give us an edge."
One of the critical matchups McIntyre highlighted is Rylee Hateley against Ally Hiscock.
Hateley, as wing defence, has stepped up this year and has been massive in recent weeks, while Hiscock is the player who provides the drive for the Panthers.
"She has played her best netball over the last six weeks, which is great to see," McIntyre said.
"She is super tight, and if we can put pressure on the pass, it will make it a lot easier for our defence to get hands on the ball.
"Rylee has a big role in putting pressure on and taking away the feeding part of their game as Ally is their man feeder."
For McIntyre, this will be her 12th grand final. She has won five out of eleven and is ready for whatever Rupanyup throws at them on Saturday. She will do anything to get her sixth premiership.
Rupanyup are ready and have the belief they can win.
In round 11, they had just got Lucy Bussenschutt to the team, so the team didn't have that cohesion, and they nearly defeated the Demons. This time, they have had two months to gel with each other, and coach Jedda Heard is excited and believes they can win.
"It's a really exciting time. We have proven to ourselves that we can do it, and winning overtime on Saturday was one of those occasions, but there is a difference between knowing you can do it and doing it," Heard said.
"It is going to be a close, physical game, and we are confident we can get away with the win."
Lucy Bussenschutt will get the job on Caitlin Jones-Story and did well on her last time. At the same time, Jedda identifies the matchup between Ally Hiscock and Rylee Hateley as another important one.
"The contest will be physical. It was very physical on Saturday, but it will be a physical, exciting matchup," Heard said.
"The other important matchup will be Meg Cashin and Olivia Jones-Story in the centre.
"When Meg is confident and powering through like she did on Saturday, we are doing well. She keeps the whole team doing and is ready to step up on the big stage."
When asked if the physical game on Saturday would hurt them next week, Heard said it would benefit them more.
"I think it benefits us a lot. Laharum have played one final in three weeks, so they may struggle with fitness early and getting the groove of the game," Heard said.
"It helps us to play through finals, and we will put in a lot of practice this week to prepare to come out firing on Saturday.
Having been a part of a premiership before, Heard has plenty of advice to offer her players.
"It's a grand final, so everyone will be nervous. You need to use it to your advantage early and keep your head," Heard said.
"The most important thing you can do in a final is keep your head. Just focus on what you must do, stay calm, and everything will take care of itself."