By Tara Murray
There’s plenty excitement at Woodend-Hesket ahead of this week’s Riddell District Netball League grand finals.
Having made massive inroads in the last few of years, the Hawks will have a senior netball team in grand final action for the first time.
Having played finals the previous three years, the Hawks under-19 team has taken it a step further this year, making the grand final.
Hawks netball coordinator Kellie Duff said it was great reward for the effort the girls had put in over the last few years.
“It means so much to the team and the club,” she said.
“The majority of the girls were in the team last year and they were disappointed to lose the preliminary final.
“They wanted to go one better and make the grand final. There were tears after this year’s preliminary final… It was like winning a grand final.”
The Hawks were pushed all the way by Macedon in the preliminary final, with extra time needed to split the two teams.
The Hawks showed an extra level in extra time to win, 33-27.
Duff said the experience of most of the group also playing in higher divisions helped.
“The girls didn’t want to let go of a spot,” she said.
“The majority of the girls play A or B-grade and are used to playing longer quarters. They’re used to playing 15 minute quarters and had plenty of energy.
“We were confident once we were able to push it to extra time.”
Duff said under-19 coach Anne-Louise Lindner, A-grade coach Wendy Roberts and herself had put in a lot of effort to bring players through from juniors into seniors.
“The combination has worked really well,” she said.
“The girls are thriving and there’s a lot of talent in the team.
“They are determined and willing to learn and listen and play as a team.”
The Hawks face an even bigger test in the grand final.
They face Rupertswood that is aiming for a fifth straight grand final, having gone through undefeated during that time.
Duff said if they played like they did against Macedon they would give it a good crack.
“We’ve got nothing to lose with the girls aleady making the grand final which is something new from Woodend-Hesket seniros.
“It’s a massive achievement. If we got over the line and got a premiership that is a bonus.
“The club is so rapt.”
