By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos will play senior netball finals for the first time since 2013.
Having struggled in the Riddell District Netball League competition in recent years, a move to the Essendon District Football League netball competition has given the club a new lease on life.
The Kangaroos fielded two sides this season, with both in the mix for finals until late in the season.
The division 2 side caused a massive upset in the final round, to seal its finals berth.
Kangaroos coach Cassie Borg said it was really exciting for the club.
She said the last few years they were used to finishing bottom and not getting many wins, so it was a really different feeling this year.
She said there was a lot of positivity around the sides.
“It’s a bit surreal and I’m a little bit speechless and so proud of the girls,” she said.
“I would have liked both sides to make finals, but all the girls have worked really hard and it’s a nice reward for effort.
“I told the girls if we make finals or not, from where we have come from I’m really proud.”
The Kangaroos entered the final round equal on points with fifth placed Glenroy.
With Glenroy playing the bottom side Oak Park, the Kangaroos knew they had to beat top side Taylors Lakes to be any chance.
The Kangaroos put out their best performance of the season, winning 30-19, to keep their spot ahead of Glenroy.
After an even first quarter, the Kangaroos blew the margin out to 10 over the next two quarters.
They were able to stay strong and extend the lead for the win in the final quarter.
Borg said to win by that margin was a shock.
“It was a huge ask and they knew the job that needed to be done and they did it.”
The Kangaroos, who finished fourth, this week face Craigieburn, a side they have pushed twice this season.
Borg said the girls were confident of putting out another strong performance and going further into finals.
“Originally the girls were happy to just make finals,” she said.
“Now after the weekend, they are full of confidence.”
Borg who is in her first year as coach, said she had was thankful to the club and players for the opportunity she had been given.
“It’s been a fantastic experience.”
The Sunbury Kangaroos division 1 side finished the season with a 35-14 loss to Craigieburn. They finished the season fifth.
