JUST like last year, Bambill have finished MFNL A Grade minor premiers, but coach Lateesha Hester is seeking a far better outcome this time around.
In 2024, the Saints were bundled out of the finals in straight sets – completed by today’s foes Nangiloc in a 26-24 preliminary final shocker.
“That was a really hard match for both sides … but that was finals netball, that’s what it was,” Hester said of their defeat to the eventual champions.
“It was the defence and the pressure from both sides up and down the court. It was definitely a hard-fought game. We know we are really going to have to bring out our A game against them and work hard until the final siren.
“I am very happy with how the team has gone this year but there’s still work to be done, and we can’t get complacent.”
Hester is well aware of a major obstacle standing in the way of her side’s title hopes – Amber King, who apparently can’t stop scoring goals for the Dees, including 65 in last week’s preliminary final against Cardross.
“She’s a beautiful target for them but I think it goes to work all down the court, and we have to do the hard work before it gets to her,” she said.
“We’ve got some experience on our team and hopefully we can use that. We have Erin Hird and Breigh Hammet in defence, and I think they will be able to apply the pressure we are after.”
The Saints are strong all over the court – and also driven to atone for last year’s finals collapse.
“Ebony (Roberts) and Maddy (Tormey) are fired up after what happened last season and we have Tessa (Houkamau) back and our centre Kaylie (Monaghan) has had a really good season. She’ll definitely be one to watch in the midcourt,” Hester said.
Bambill have six teams in today’s seven finals and Hester hopes her side can ride that crest of the wave to the title.
“It’s been a really feel-good season across every football and netball team. Everyone has been working so hard,” she said.
“We are not complacent at all, and we know it is going to be a genuine grand final in A Grade … and also across all of the teams in the other grades. We just have to get it done.”
