MILDURA have prepared for a massive qualifying final in fine style, winning by 32 goals over Red Cliffs in trying conditions at Brian Weightman Oval.
The underdog Tigers stuck with the Dees in the first half, showing impressive signs in the second quarter especially, but the power of the second-placed home side was too much in the second half.
Captain Ally Leng was again prolific in centre and was the lynchpin for most of the Demons attacks, while star shooter Jess McNamara was too athletic in attack and finished with 33 goals.
Playing coach Ellie Vincent was able to survey her side from the bench in the second half, allowing for position rotations and court time for subs Taya Higgins, Juliet Leng, Rebecca Bishop and Ashton Wade.
Mildura go head-to-head with Irymple on Saturday in the qualifying final, where the winner will face Wentworth the following week for an automatic grand final berth.
Despite the result and finishing on the bottom of the table, it has been an improved season under first-year coach Romany Bowen after going winless last campaign.
While the coach admitted it wasn’t the greatest display to end the season, building blocks are already in place to take them forward in the future.
“We’re definitely positive, that’s not the note we wanted to end on but we’ll be back,” she said.
“Just our basic skills have improved, although it wasn’t demonstrated today and my heart breaks for them because that’s not what we wanted to display, but also the team camaraderie, our combinations and our movement through the court has become a lot better.
“Even just implementing that we’re doing in training, I know people won’t see it from the sidelines but I see it, just shutting down and denying play and flow.
“I’ll probably assess in the weeks to come, I’ve already started in the recruiting space so we’re on to next season already but we’ll sit together as a group and reflect over the next week.”
Former elite volleyballer Hannah Tuifao has impressed since coming into the defensive unit, while Jorja Parker was important for the Tigers at wing attack.
Mildura 67 d Red Cliffs 35
BEST: Mildura: Alexandra Leng, Jessica McNamara.
Red Cliffs: Hannah Tuifao, Jorja Parker.
