by Angela Banbury
Only Nilma Darnum stands in the way of Neerim South going for a three-peat of A grade premiers and champion titles at Yarragon on Saturday.
It is expected to be standing room only as these two teams meet, with both clubs having a big following of loyal supporters.
With neither club involved in the footy at that time, the passionate crowd will be urging their players to give all they've got.
Since the Hillberg sisters arrived at the Cattery, Christie Urie has created a program that's taken all before them. They will be favourites heading into the match.
Opposing coach Rachael Chandler has the team to cause an upset and will push her team to find the extra bit in the tank for the ultimate glory.
The two teams have met three times throughout the season, with close margins in all meetings.
Neerim won by three goals, 46-43, in round seven. On this day, the first quarter break margin proved the eventual difference at the final siren.
In round 18, Neerim won by four goals, 48-44. Neerim had jumped out of the blocks to lead by 10 at quarter time before Nilma pegged it back to three at half time. A relatively even second half followed.
In the second semi final, Neerim won 49-42 to head straight into the grand final. Nilma had a two-goal lead at the first break before Neerim returned fire to lead by four at half time. It was the same margin at three-quarter time, with Neerim extending it slightly in the last.
With rain predicted, speed may be removed from Saturday's match, a strength of both teams.
There are match ups across the whole court that are worth the admission price alone. Starting with the centres - Tarli Hillberg (NNS) versus Rachael Chandler (ND).
Right from the get-go these two players give their team every opportunity with ball in hand. They are equally as good at picking up the loose ball or intercepts with their great reading of play.
Wing attack Mia McGarrity (NNS) has speed to burn and will provide the ball on a platter for her goalers. Caitlyn Frecklington (ND) will have her hands full but has the ability to thwart the drives and make life difficult.
On the other line, Madlyn Borsato (ND) has developed into a match winning wing attack. She will use her court sense and speed to create play. Tessa Fusinato (NNS) will work in formation with her co-defender to work over any opponent and then attack at all costs.
In the goal rings at both ends is where the action will be. It is sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Kimberley Edwards (NNS) won the premiership last year like Serena Williams did the Australian Open, with baby news no-one knew until winning the ultimate prize. She hasn't skipped a beat on return and moves effortlessly around the ring.
Edwards will be up against either Stacey Lawry or Mel Cook. Lawry is a proven match winner and synonymous with creating something out of nothing in the goal ring. Cook will make Edwards earn every pass and shot.
Nicole Alcock (NNS) at goal shooter provides a strong combination with Edwards and is versatile to play against any defender. Nikki Mirams (ND) will be part of the defensive combination at some stage against Neerim's goalers. It is almost a headache for coach Chandler as to what is her best starting combination will be.
At the other end of the court, are the Nilma Darnum twin towers of Skye Rees at goal attack and Hayley Purcell at goal shooter. Both are talented and accurate goalers. Just through their height, they make it difficult to be outplayed.
However, Neerim have their coach Christie Urie at goal defence who reads the play like no other and has a plethora of awards proving her talent. Elly Radford has joined the Cats this year and has the height to match Purcell and the strength to rebound in the contest.
This match will go down to the wire. Nilma Darnum will never give in and have a team dynamic enough to test Neerim South's greatness. If ever there was a team to stop the steamrolling from the Cats, it is the Darnos. How they handle the pressure in a grand final, when every ball counts, could be the Bombers' undoing.
Coach Chandler will be ensuring her team stays disciplined and in the contest, as will Urie.
The Cats are definitely the favourites and it's expected Urie will hold up their third cup in a row. But you just never know when it comes to grand finals.
PLAYER PROFILES:
Neerim South:
Nicole Alcock: A versatile goaler for the Cats. Nicole is great at setting up the play in the ring. A confident shooter who can also feed the ball beautifully.
Kim Edwards: A steady and reliable goaler for Neerim. Kim's ability to either post up or run out in goal attack makes her tough to defend. She has an incredible leap and ability to take an intercept through the midcourt.
Mia McGarrity: A midcourter with speed to burn and a deadly pass to her goalers. With a strong drive onto the circle edge, she will influence the attack end of the court.
Tarli Hillberg: Starts the Cats' play from the centre and controls the game from the midcourt. Tarli is the link between the Hillberg sisters and gives Neerim plenty of opportunity either in attack or defence.
Tessa Fusinato: Tess has slotted in beautifully to the Cats' defence end this season after having a break from netball. A tenacious defender with an amazing ability to ready the play and get ball.
Christie Urie: Coach and leader of this team. Role model at the club. What can't you say about Christie. This defender is a multiple league best and fairest winner - adding a runner-up title on Monday night - who never shirks a contest. Will make it tough for any goaler she's up against.
Elly Radford: New to the club this season, Elly adds height in the defence end with an incredible leap. Will make it very hard for any goaler with her reach.
Kasey Tymkin: Captain and heart of this club and team, with a never give up attitude. This midcourter reads the play beautifully and will give her all for this club.
Mia Chandler: Tenacious midcourter who can run either centre or wing attack. Mia has a great netball brain with experience beyond her years. A beautiful feeder to her goalers.
Ashlee Trimble: The club's C grade goaler who has shot more than 500 goals this season. She will start on the bench and will be ready to help out in the goal circle if needed.
Ava McGarrity: Played most of her games in B grade this season. A versatile, aerial player who loves an intercept. Ava can make an impact in either goals or midcourt.
Peta Matthews: A strong midcourter who played most of her games in B grade. Peta can play any role through the midcourt and will be an asset if needed off the bench.
Nilma Darnum:
Hayley Purcell: A goal shooter who is strong under the post with incredible height and an amazing goal scoring ability. Is a hard matchup due to her high reach for a lob into the ring.
Skye Rees: Another tall in the ring who is quick off the line. Playing mainly in goal attack, she works up the court and is strong overhead. Skye has the ability to sink the long-range shots.
Melanie Cook: The most agile and versatile player on the team. Playing either goal attack or goal defence, Mel has the amazing ability to read the play at both ends of the court. Can do all the flashy stuff but will do the hard work and is hungry for the ball.
Madlyn Borsato: Fast, agile and pinpoint feeder to the goalers. Will trouble any midcourter with her burst of speed and drives to the goal ring.
Rachael Chandler: Experienced leader on the court who won't stop running in centre until the jobs done. Brings great netball nous to court and links the play from defence to attack well.
Caitlyn Frecklington: Strong body on body wing defence who is a reliable ball carrier. Is fit and will run with any player all day to get the job done. Continually improves year after year she plays.
Stacey Lawry: Stands tall in defence, with an ability like no other to read the incoming ball. Absolute superstar of the league and is a great leader for the defence circle.
Nikki Mirams: Strong defender with a great rebounding ability and happy to go hunting. In combination with her circle defenders, creates sustained pressure for goalers and midcourters.
Mia Tweddle: Longtime at the club, but still a young addition to the A grade team. The midcourter will be eager to show her speed and maturity beyond her years if given the opportunity.
Serena Mooney: This B grade midcourter will come off the bench if needed.
Gabrielle Paynter: Accurate B grade goaler who has plenty of experience in A grade. Could be an option if the twin towers aren't working.
Ondine Olsson: This year's B grade league runner-up best and fairest and also best on court in the B grade preliminary final. Could be a defensive option if match ups aren't working and Mel Cook goes into attack.
OTHER GRADES:
In the other grand final matches, Ellinbank - as always - have been the standout B grade team throughout the season. They find themselves into another grand final.
Winning the last two premierships, the Eagles will look to go three-in-a-row and cap off another consistent year. Following on from C grade, the Ellinbank supporter base should have plenty to cheer and be happy about by the end of the day.
Nilma Darnum have taken the longest passage to the grand final, having played each week in effectively elimination final to reach the last Saturday of competition. They'll go into the match as underdogs but have depth and a belief in themselves that could see them go all the way.
Ellinbank are yet again into another C grade grand final, proving their home and away dominance is no fluke.
Their streak, when going for a seventh premierships in a row, was halted last year, losing to Nilma Darnum. Thus, they'll look to start their run of cups again.
They have many players who know how to get the job done when it counts and will be hard to beat.
Lang Lang have entertained their supporter base during their finals campaign with close and competitive matches to find their way into the big dance.
The Tigers are full of enthusiasm and consistent across each position. They are able to roll plenty of substitutions and will play to the final second with a big crowd expected to support them.
Catani are looking to win their first 17 and under premiership since 1986, when they last won what was called D grade.
Winning easily against Yarragon in the second semi to final take the direct path into the grand final, they are a dynamic team and have a lot of flexibility that will make it difficult for the opposition to line up against.
Poowong have been the only team to defeat Catani during the home and away season and will take that confidence into the match. Winning every game in their finals campaign, they will be full of conviction to get the job done.
In the 15 and under division, Buln Buln are just two points off the perfect season. A draw is the closest they have experienced to a loss all year, having swept all before them to find themselves in a grand final.
As last year's 15 and under premiers, this talented group of players will be looking to go back-to-back.
Catani is the team who spoilt the Lyrebirds perfect season and will be desperate to get their first win over Buln for the year. Catani slipped to fifth by the end of the home and away games. However, have been strong through the finals series to get their opportunity at a premiership.
Buln Buln will take on Poowong to start the days proceedings. Buln Buln were ladder leaders virtually all of last season but stumbled in the final game of the year, losing the grand final.
This year, they look like they will make up for it and should win the first game of the day.
Poowong, however, will look to spoil the party, having taken care of Yarragon last week in the preliminary. All three teams finished the season on the same points, so the Pies have a great chance if they can bring their best game on the final Saturday.
Ultimately, we'll see seven of the 11 clubs represented on grand final day.
It will be a great day of netball that will cap off another terrific Ellinbank and District Football Netball League season.
GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE:
2.30pm: A grade - Neerim Neerim South v Nilma Darnum.
1.15pm: B grade - Ellinbank v Nilma Darnum.
12noon: C grade - Ellinbank v Lang Lang.
11am: 17 and under - Catani v Poowong.
10am: 15 and under - Buln Buln v Catani.
9am: 13 and under - Buln Buln v Poowong.