Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket had to use all its depth as it came from behind to win the Riddell District Netball League qualifying final against Macedon on Saturday.
The Cats led throughout the early part of the final with the margin out to as many as six including at half time.
The Hawks threw the magnets around to try and find the right combinations and things started to turn their way.
The Hawks would hit the front in the final quarter and put the pressure on the Cats, who made turnovers at crucial moments.
The Hawks did enough to win, 36-35.
Hawks playing coach Meg Grbac said it took some time, but they were able to settle and come away with the win.
“I think I’ve been harping on about our depth in our side all season and I think today goes to show,” she said.
“Injecting players on the court sometimes when things aren’t working. I tried a million and one things and it kind of fell into place.”
Grbac said that the Cats came into the game more switched on than they were and used that to gain the early momentum.
The Cats were boosted by the return of Janelle Tate from a knee injury.
Grbac said they would take a lot out of the first half despite not playing well.
“We seemed a little bit hesitant in attack, give all credit where credit is due,” she said. “I thought Macedon’s defence was amazing today.
“Hetty [Donoghue] in particular did a really awesome job as well. Credit, they came ready to go and they jumped us a little bit and we weren’t expecting it.
“It’s something that we take away and learn from and know that we really can’t concede a six goal lead in the first half and have to work so hard in the second half.”
Grbac said having not had their full team for much of the season they had learned how to play with different combinations in different situations.
The Hawks tried different things in all three sections of the court to get things going on Saturday.
“For me it’s knowing that I have 11 girls in a squad and any one can step on and play their role, which is really awesome,” Grbac said.
As the Hawks came back the crowd started to get into the game, providing plenty of support for the side.
The Hawks defence was able to lift another late in the game to make sure they sealed the win.
Grbac said having someone like Georgia Bowkett come into the side had given them another defensive option to use when they needed it.
The Hawks now face Riddell in a semi final this weekend, with a spot in the grand final on the line.
The Cats face Romsey in the knockout semi final.
Grbac is looking forward to the challenge of facing the Bombers.
“Finals are a completely different ball game,” she said. “Almost like a completely different season you are going into.
“We’re really looking forward to taking on Riddell. They have been awesome this season, it will be great for us to take on them.”
