MILDURA put to bed their Demons from 12 months ago to lock in an SFNL A Grade netball grand final berth against Wentworth and chase their first flag since 2014.
They survived a late scare as Ouyen United benefited from the Dees being one player short for a two-minute period in the last quarter, but the home side held on for the 49 to 45 victory in front of a massive cohort.
Mildura were eliminated by Ouyen United in last year’s preliminary final, but atoned this time around at Brian Weightman Oval.
A defensive masterclass from Ava Zadow and a brilliant shooting performance from Ellie Vincent and Jess McNamara led the way through a tense opening half, before breaking away in the back end of the game.
A second warning for Katelyn Challis late left her side with six players for a two minute period, giving Ouyen United their biggest sniff of the game, but the Demons held form under real pressure.
“They were always going to keep coming at us late in the game, they’re such a good side,” Mildura coach Sharon Watson said.
Watson said she had some concerns about the match considering last year’s result, but said the girls “were really hungry and they definitely weren’t going to lie down”.
“I thought Ellie Vincent controlled the game so well when it was required. She put her body on the line and she kept her composure which certainly helped the rest of the team.
“When you’re under pressure you need someone who controls it and she did that for us plenty today.”
When asked about Zadow’s impact, Watson echoed the statements of many supporters surrounding the court by saying “she’s an athletic freak!”.
“You just didn’t know where she was going to pop up from and grab the ball, but she’s such a humble and hard working player and so cool and calm under pressure,” she said.
Milli Seward and Maddie Alvino also put in strong shifts for the winners, while youngster Ashleigh Goss impressed in a second half cameo in centre.
The passing ability of coach Kyra Nathan, Ellen Morrish and Megan Jardine was outstanding to witness for Ouyen United, while 14-year-old shooter Maggie’s Smith continues to grow in stature.
Catherine Brown and Tsharni Burns were also brilliant at either end of the court and threw themselves into every contest.
The grand final will be the fourth time the Demons and Roos have met this season, and the third time in four weeks.
“You learn a bit from every time you play them,” Watson said.
“When you get a grand final whatever happens beforehand is done. You just have to play four solid quarters and remember it’s never over until that final whistle sounds.
“We were down early against them last week but put pulled ourselves right back into it by half time, so you can get on a roll and score quickly.”
