IT wasn’t as close as last year, but the 2023 SFNL A Grade grand final was still an outstanding sporting spectacle.
For the second consecutive year, Wentworth claimed the Premiership title after a year of undefeated battles.
It was a fast and physical clash, but the Roos had the upper hand throughout the whole game and emerged clear winners 59-37.
Wentworth coach Amanda Edwards was once again formidable in goals, earning her self best on court.
She said it was a huge relief to finish the season off with the win.
“Today was tough, they bought it every quarter but I am so happy,” she said.
Becker, Wentworth’s captain, was “elated” by their victory.
“We just worked so hard all year for it,” she said.
“It was about us playing our four quarters as I feel previously in other games we let our focus slip and let them back in a little bit, so today we just pushed on.”
Becker praised coach Edwards for her work on and off the court.
“I am surprised that she doesn’t get ‘best on’ every week because she is the end of attack, we always have a target to pass to,” she said.
“She is always there for us and today she just smashed it.
“Her accuracy was so good, her rebounding and even chasing up the lose balls.
“We are so lucky to have her and she is a great leader and inspiration for us.”
Molly Mangan and Ash Cameron were impressive in the midcourt for the Roos, intercepting several balls and picking up loose ones at every chance.
The defensive trio of Christie Becker, Courtney Wakefield and Natalie Vercher were in top form, shutting down almost everything brought their way and the combination of Liz Rowe and Edwards shone on the day.
Mildura, who never gave up, were led well by Ellie Vincent, who was impressive under goal and in centre, and Ava Zadow and Milli Seward, who pushed hard in defence.
Mildura coach Sharon Watson said she was “sad” that the girls couldn’t walk away with the win, but “super proud” of their efforts.
“We battled hard but Wentworth showed why they are the No.1 team, they just dominated in positions,” she said.
“At the end of the day, they deserved it.”
A key match up of the day was Edwards and Zadow.
Watson said it was good to watch them battle it out again.
“Ava just battled so hard again, but Amanda’s experience just showed out, her patience showed out,” she said.
Edwards said it was “a physical battle” against the 18-year-old.
“She is such a young girl and she is going to be a great future leader for her club,” she said.
Watson said this loss would be a great learning opportunity for the team’s younger girls as they progressed with netball.
“Again they are such a young bunch, but they dug deep,” she said.
“They tried hard and they will learn from that and hopefully come bigger and stronger.”
Edwards said she was expecting the Roos girls would have a big weekend celebrating.
However, she said she was most looking forward to the opportunity to “sit back and reflect and let it all soak in”.
