It's finals time and there is going to be plenty of action around the grounds this weekend! Check out what's expected and some of the key match ups to keep an eye out for.
Saturday - 1 v 2 @ Redhill
J2 - BBH v South Clare
BBH have dominated the J2 competition this year. In both outings between South and BBH, BBH have had strong wins. The score in Round 1 was BBH 30 defeated South Clare 18. The score in Round 2 was BBH 27 defeated South Clare 6. BBH have strengths all over the court with Lilly Hancock and Pippa Benson a tough duo to get around, along with the very strong shooting duo Gemma Gebhardt and Marissa Bevan with Maddy Harvey in attack. Jordie McCarthy is a key target for South Clare in goals and Sophia Liebelt-Seymon and Tess Chapman provide lots of turnovers and drive out of South’s defence. BBH girls are all stand out strong players who work great as team being the favourites, but South Clare have the potential to challenge the BBH girls.
J1 - South Clare v Eudunda/Robertstown
The previous games between the Saints and South Clare have seen South Clare with the upper hand in both clashes with a 36-25 win and a 38-13 win. However, these scores haven’t reflected the game play. Saints Leni Geister will be a game changer with her versatility across the court. South Clare’s Lexi Edmonds will be one to watch as well with her quick hands and ability to read the play very well. It’s bound to be a fast-paced game with many talented players. This match will come down to who can make the most of their turnovers and stay composed under finals pressure.
15U - BBH v Eudunda/Robertstown
BBH are coming into the finals undefeated, being the team to beat all season. The previous clashes this season have seen BBH come out on top, BBH 50 to Eud/Rob 27, then Eud/Rob improving greatly to reduce the margin second time around, BBH 59 to Eud/Rob 43. A key matchup for the game will be between Millie Bavistock (BBH) and Makaya Sauer (Eud/Rob) both fighting strong in previous games. The potential game changer for BBH to watch are Emmylou Cooper, the work horse in the mid court with great hands over ball and awesome touches. There is not one stand out player for BBH as they all work as a team on and off the court backing and supporting each other playing a strong and effortless style of game. This game is going to be hard fought with both teams’ key strengths being tight defensive pressure. BBH will come into the game confident, however, the game will be won by the team that composes themselves quickly and can set the pace.
C2 - South Clare v Eudunda Robertstown
South Clare and Eud/Rob are going into this final one win a piece, both being closely contested games. The experience of Eud/Rob can’t be underestimated, they’re a tight unit and hungry for a premiership. The South Clare team is young and keen to continue their winning streak with Zoe Griffin finishing the minor round on a high note shooting efficiently. Saint’s Louise Schutz (GK) will be one to look out for when creating turnovers, and Nicole Hardy (GA) has great drive through the court and finishing off with a goal will also aid the Saint’s in their game. With South Clare having a much younger team than the Saints, will it be the Saint’s maturity or South Clare’s young legs that allow them to win? Whoever wins that tussle will take control of this game. Odds are even for who will take the win and cement their spot in the Grand Final.
C1 - Min Man v South Clare
Min-Man have been the team to beat all season, and rightly so by finishing in top position and setting the standard for the C1 competition. Both sides have had a win against each other during the season. Min-Man won by three goals in the first round and South Clare finishing the last game of the minor round with a comfortable 15 goal win against Min-Man. This meant both teams finished the minor rounds with equal points and just percentage the difference between first and second place on the ladder. Both Min-Man and South Clare show great diversity in their teams, with many of the players being able to play in multiple positions. South Clare will bring a level of maturity to the court; however, Min-Man will bring youth and speed. Key match up's will be in both teams rings, accurate shooting from Min Man’s Scarlett Parker and Laura Willmott will be needed as to not let Souths GK Kathy Woodrow from gaining turnovers. South Clare’s Jess Schulz & Scarlett Liebelt-Seymon all show accurate shooting and good movement will also be challenged up against tight and clean defence from Min-Man’s Kirby Faint and Bridie Maher. The game changer will see a challenge between South’s strong and experienced WD Bree Mensforth and Min-Man’s quick and responsive WA Abbie Skinner to reward turnovers in each ends ring. South Clare’s Mandy Knight alongside a strong midcourt cohort will be a good challenge for Min Man’s fast paced younger mid court players. The first semi-final will simply come down to which side can settle into their style of play early and make use of turnovers. This game it set to be a cracker.
B2 - Blyth Snowtown v Eudunda Robertstown
The B2 competition has been very even amongst the top four teams this year, with everyone a chance of the flag. Blyth Snowtown and Eudunda Robertstown have had one win each in very close games during the season with a percentage of 0.01% separating them between first and second place. Eud/Rob GA Maegan Pfitzner will be hard to stop, with great passes and shooting. Blyth Snowtown’s Centre Kristin Carling has had a strong season and ever reliable through the mid court. Blyth Snowtown’s strong defensive pressure is something the Saint’s will have to overcome. Accurate shooting at each end will make it hard for defenders, so the team that capitalises on their limited opportunities will come away with the direct pass to the Grand Final.
B1 - North Clare v Eudunda Robertstown
This season North Clare have come out on top with two wins for the season, both by small margins. Saint’s Molly Bruhn's accurate shooting over North’s Jess Cullen's tall defence in the goal ring will be a match to watch. Brooke Jinx has been strong in the centre court for North. North have a strong drive down the court and strong defensive pressure all over the court. Both teams are equally strong with even matchups all over the court. Composure and making the most of turnovers will be crucial for both sides.
A2 – Min Man v RSMU
The top two sides will go head-to-head in the fight to go straight into the Grand Final. This game will be played at a high intensity for the full four quarters. It will be a tightly contested battle with both teams needing to play their best to come out on top. Min-Man had the upper hand in the first round beating RSMU convincingly. RSMU found their groove in the second half of the season defeated Min-Man by one goal. The game could go either way, the decider will be the match ups. Ones to watch are Min-Man’s goaler Emmerson Schoenburg and RSMU defender Simone Miller who will battle it out in the goal circle. RSMU's Kerry Heinrich and Min-Man’s Victoria Kenny lining up in the mid court will both run all day and put their bodies on the line. RSMU’s Zoe Hier and Paige Rowett are very accurate and smart goalies. Min-Man’s defence duo of Olivia Hadley and Karen Palmer will need to be tight and strong right from the first whistle. RSMU have experience and depth in each area of the court coming up against a very young, talented Min-Man team. The decider will be the team that can control the mid court and transition into the attack line effectively. It will go down to the wire with the win coming from the team with the mental toughness to hold on.
A1 - BSR v Min Man
During the season both BSR and Min-Man have had a win against each other. Both teams are evenly matched in all seven positions which will make an exciting game to watch. BSR will need to work hard defensively to limit the impact of the Carling sisters as they are the key to Min-man’s attack line. They both have strong drives onto the circle and great feeds into their goalers. Min-Man’s Gracie Ross and BSR’s Emily Ashby will be a great match up to watch. Both players have played some strong netball this year and never give up. BSR’s Anna-Grace Close and Amelia Duffy have had a great season this year and will work hard to disrupt the Min-Man goalers Molly Ross and Mackenzie Schoenberg to limit their shooting opportunities. BSR and Min-Man both play a fast dynamic style of netball and will be looking to for accurate shooting and capitalising on turnovers. It is set to be an exciting 60 minutes of netball.
Sunday - 3 v 4 @ Riverton
J2 - Eudunda Robertstown v Min Man
Eudunda/Robertstown has beaten Min-Man both times they have met this season. The last time only by two goals. Min-Man have been working on defensive pressure and the hard work of Maeve Allen and Daisy Brysky will ensure Min-Man goalies will get lots of opportunities. Min-Man’s team really lifted last Saturday having their best start to the season leading against South in the first quarter. If Min-Man can string four quarters together it could go their way. This games’ deciding factor will be which team has the best goal accuracy on the day.
J1 - BSR v Blyth Snowtown
BSR and Blyth Snowtown will be an evenly contested game over the whole court. Blyth Snowtown are quick and move the ball well through the mid court and BSR are steady and agile and provide clear direction and back each other up. Of the two meetings during the season, BSR won the Round 4 clash by four goals and won the Round 11 match by nine goals. Key players will be Kartia Altmann for Blyth Snowtown who can play all over the court and provides great drive and accurate shooting. Charlotte Muller is also a strong target in GS for Blyth Snowtown and Zahara Bernhardt has been a key performer this season. Sophie Weckert for BSR will be a tough match up in the mid court and can be a game changer in whichever position she plays, she will be a pivotal player for BSR. Maysie Freeman and Lucy Nicholls in the BSR defence end will get hands to many balls and will make the Blyth Snowtown goalies work for every ball. Exciting times ahead for these two teams to experience the thrill and pressure of finals. BSR have had a great season with strength all over the court. Although Blyth Snowtown had a slow start to the season, they have peaked at the right time of the year. This will be a thrilling game, with many stars of the future enjoying finals for the first time.
15U - Min Man v BSR
There’s not much separating these two teams. Both teams have won seven games for the season. Min-Man defeated BSR in the first game of the season by nine goals and BSR defeated Min-Man by nine goals at the second meet. Min-Man and BSR will fight it out to progress to the Prelim Final. BSR’s strong defensive duo Taylor Jones and Lucy Trengove could be potential game changers against Min Man’s accurate goalies Taylah Cook and Tatum Giles. It will be a good tussle to watch in the mid-court with BSR’s Lara Myer and Min-Man’s Dakota Giles having played good netball this season. BSR’s Lara Meyer has been influential as has Min Man’s Bridie Mitchell. The winner will come down to the team who can maintain their composure on the day and make use of their opportunities.
C2 - Min Man v RSMU
This season, in the first match Min-Man outplayed RSMU (MM 34 - RSMU 18) but in the rematch RSMU turned the tables (RSMU 42- MM 39), which sets the scene for an exciting semi-final. Some key matchups are RSMU GS Nicole Saunderson who will keep Min-Man’s Laurel Lees working hard. Min-Man GS Sam Degoumois and GA Hannah Neil will both have challenging contests with RSMU’s GD Rachel Moore and GK Elizabeth Rex. RSMU's goalie duo Nicole Saunderson and Stevie-lee Dutton will make Min-Man apply added pressure to eliminate their direct feeding and accurate shooting. Min-Man's Shayla Lewis will create strong momentum down the mid-court, meaning RSMU's mid-court will need to implement their defensive pressure throughout the whole game. Whichever team can keep their head and execute their goals will win the game. With RSMU taking out the premiership from this ladder position last season, they will be eager make it through, but Min-Man will be hungry to take out the win.
C1 - Eudunda Robertstown V North Clare
North Clare will be the underdogs in this game, having lost both previous encounters with the Saints winning convincingly by 23 and 19, respectively. For many of the young Roosters, this will be their first senior finals campaign. Youth and speed could be an advantage to these girls when they go up against the Saints team with many very experienced netball brains on the court. A key matchup will be North’s Amelie Smith's defence on Saints Jodie Mosey, and North’s Ruby Redden will need to limit Saint’s Renae Sauer's drive out of defence. Saint’s Bella Chenoweth’s beautiful intercepts through the mid court will be one to watch. It’s expected the Saints more mature, experienced side will give them the upper hand over North’s younger side going into finals.
B2 - Min Man v North
Both teams have a good mix of experience and youth with both teams having taken a win this season, this match is set to be a tight contest. Expect a close fought match with North’s experienced goalies Sophie McLennan and Leonie Player under tight guard by MinMan’s Kerry Hadley. It will be up to Min-Man’s defence throughout the court to take strong turnovers and then to capitalise on these with accurate shooting. North’s Madi Coles has been a big improver this season and will make scoring difficult for the Min-Man shooters. While the match ups in the cntre court will be exciting to watch. Both are coming into form at the end of the season and are looking to cement their spot in the Prelim. The result is predicted to come down to the wire!
B1 - RSMU v Min Man
Two hotly contested and close games between these two teams in the minor rounds sets up what should be a great contest, with the most recent seeing RSMU winning comfortably in the last quarter. Elimination finals, where there is no next week are exciting and nerve racking. Both teams will be keen to settle quickly and take the nerves out of the equation. RSMU’s defensive circle with Ashleigh Illman and Jaz Connell will have their work cut out coping with the speed and height of Min-Man’s Robyn Faulkner and Emma Koch but will relish the challenge. Equally a key to success for RSMU will be countering the height of MinMan’s Karen Palmer who will have a big say in the outcome of this game. Madie Przibilla and Kalee Noble bring youth and energy to RSMU’s centre court and will be pushed all the way by Ashlee Zadow and Tilly Jacka who will themselves be giving their all for their Min-Man team. There is no clear favourite going into this encounter and the game will ultimately be decided by the team that handles the pressure of the occasion best. Both games between the clubs have been highly physical and it will be important for Min-Man to shut down the experience and direction of RSMU mid courter Cath Greenslade. It is bound to be a highly contested match.
A2 - Eudunda/Robertstown v North Clare
When these teams met in the opening game of the season, it resulted in an eight-goal win to Eud/Rob. Mid-season they met again at Eudunda and North Clare came away with a threegoal win. Both teams have a strong mix of youth and experience, with depth across all areas of the court. Teams are evenly matched with influencers from Eud/Rob being the experienced Lisa AhChee in the mid court with strong drives and precise feeding into young gun GA Breea Schutz. If North can capitalise on the experience they have within their team, Kellie Vasek (GD), Kelly Shekle (C) and goalies Phoebe Helbig and Diesy O'Driscoll, they could take the game from the young fast Eud/Rob side. The combination of Eud/Rob defenders Olivia Schiller and Steph Green in defence has been a solid, working well together this season and will make the North goalies work hard. Either way it'll be a fantastic game to watch. As per previous years in the A2, the whole competition is incredibly evenly matched. This game will be no different.
A1 - Blyth Snowtown v RSMU
The 2023 season has seen Blyth Snowtown take the cake against RSMU in both meetings on court. RSMU have taken some time to find their groove with several changes to their side only just making the top four based on final round results, while Blyth Snowtown have cemented a side that has progressed strongly from last season and are playing good netball. Both sides match up well down the court with some positional contests proving to be more critical to the outcome at the final whistle. Key match ups today will be RSMU Griffiths sister duo lining up against experienced Blyth Snowtown defender Maggie Hentschke and young gun Ella Roberts. This is where either side can lift the game and be a real contender for the win. The RSMU defenders have an important task to do, to do what they can to shut down Blyth Snowtown GS Leah Edmunds who has had an exceptional year and is absolute key to their attack line success. An exciting battle in the middle between strong and fast midcourters Holly Ottens and Sarah Noack will be one to watch. Both having a four-quarter impact on their teams drive and direction. This do or die A1 final should boast a physical, high intensity game from seasoned A grade players to the upcoming youth at top association level, with both sides putting everything possible on the line for a spot in the Preliminary Final