THE pain of their losses will fuel Mildura as they set their sights on defeating Wentworth in Saturday’s SFNL A Grade grand final.
Wentworth, who haven’t been defeated since the 2019 grand final, are heading into this weekend as the hot favourites.
The Roos, who won last year’s grand final by one goal, have defeated Mildura in each of their three encounters this year, the last a victory of 10 goals.
Demons coach Sharon Watson said despite this, the girls wouldn’t stop believing in the win.
“We know Wentworth are formidable, but finals and grand finals are a different concept,” she said.
“We have gotten close, no cigar yet, so maybe this weekend, we will see.”
The last grand final Mildura played was in 2014, when they defeated Imperials by a goal.
Watson, who was last involved in a winning grand final over two decades ago, said the girls had worked hard to be playing this weekend and would give their all to finally get over the line against the Roos.
“It is all very fresh in our minds, the losses (to Wentworth) actually hurt a lot,” she said.
“We learnt from them, and don’t want that taste again.”
Wentworth playing coach Amanda Edwards said her team expected a tough competition from Mildura.
“We have had really good battles with them, this will be the (fourth) time now for us,” she said.
“(We expect) their intensity, their physicality of the game and everything like that. They will be hungry, for sure.”
Edwards said her team was “fit and firing ready to go”, but Watson said Mildura would be down star midcourter Ally Leng, who broke her collarbone during school sports.
“That is where the girls have really dug deep and are filling spots they are not used to, or where I’ve never played them,” Watson said.
“The loss of Ally is obviously a massive hole but having her on the sidelines and having her voice to get them revved up is really good.”
Watson said defender Ava Zadow’s match up with Amanda Edwards would be one to watch.
Edwards, this year’s highest goal scorer, said her team was just excited to be back in finals, with the chance to make it two in a row.
“The girls work really hard, and they are very deserving of this premiership this year,” she said.
“There are girls (in the team) that have never won a premiership before and returning players to the club, so it is a very special time and hopefully we can achieve (the win) this weekend.”
Edwards expected the team’s defensive dream team, Natalie Vercher, Courtney Wakefield and Christie Becker, would be in great form after all three, along with Edwards and midcourter Molly Mangan, were selected for the 2023 team of the year.
“They are bloody amazing,” she said.
“Their combinations are just amazing, they are hungry for the ball, and they will do absolutely everything to get balls for us, then it is just our job to finish it off at the other end.
“I was just really happy and impressed that they were recognised (on the team of the year), very well deserved, they have been really high achievers this year.”
The game begins at noon on the outdoor courts.
What the tipsters say
Sunraysia Daily’s Mitch Rodd: Wentworth by 2.
“Both teams are amazing to watch in full flight but the Roos defence is the best in the business and that may just be enough to get them over the line. The injured Ally Leng is a huge loss but I wonder if Sharon Watson may have some more tricks up her sleeve.”
Best on court: Christie Becker (Wentworth)
Sunraysia Daily’s Sarah Buchecker: Mildura by 1.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but I believe there is a chance that Mildura could swoop in to surprise everyone with a very narrow win on Saturday. Last year’s grand final was a lot closer than expected, with Ouyen United only just losing by a goal. While Wentworth are an absolute powerhouse of a side, you never know what is going to happen come finals and maybe the extra motivation will push the Demons over the line.
Best on court: Ava Zadow
Sunraysia Daily’s Josh Riseley: Wentworth by 10
“Even on an off day, the depth of Wentworth is too good for any team. Mildura might be a clear second best, but with big, experienced bodies at all parts of the court things would have to go drastically wrong for the Roos to lose.
Best on court: Amanda Edwards
Mildura player profiles
Ashleigh Goss: A talented junior, 16-year-old Goss is a great substitute for the side. She was impressive when she stepped into centre in the second half of the preliminary final and will provide a handy interchange this weekend.
Ava Zadow: A tough defensive unit, the 2023 Team of the Year sub defender has been a standout player this season. With height on her side, the strongly built 18-year-old has shown she reads the game well with her interceptions and passing ability. She has proved herself as one to watch during recent match ups against Amanda Edwards. She was named in her team’s best eight times this season and received the second-highest number of votes for her team.
Ellie Vincent: Having recently moved to the region, Vincent has fitted right in with the rest of the Mildura’s talent. The strong goalie is level-headed, fierce and not afraid to put her body on the line. She is also extremely versatile, sometimes starting in the midcourt. Her accuracy and versatility will be important this weekend.
Jess McNamara: A tall athlete, McNamara is impressive to watch under the ring. The 2022 Horkings Medal winner and 2023 runner-up is quick and flexible on the court, moving with the ball as needed. Her height allows her to grab almost every rebound and her composure is kept under pressure. GS in the team of the year, McNamara is a valuable asset to the Mildura side.
Katelyn Challis: A physical defender, Challis is fast and fierce on the court. Her six years of experience in A Grade is apparent with her ability to read and cut off opposition passes. She creates turnovers with ease and applies heavy pressure to her opponent.
Maddie Alvino: A quick-fire midcourter, Alvino is athletic, composed and has a great sense of space. She is an ideal wing attack, with her ability to feed into goal from centre an advantage for her team. Has formed a strong combination with McNamara and Vincent in the attacking third this season.
Milli Seward: A new addition to the A Grade side this year, Seward has taken a strong step in to the team’s defence. Her ability to work under pressure has been instrumental to the squad and has proved she deserves a spot in the team. She works well beside Ava Zadow to spoil the ball and intercept passes into the ring.
Molly McDonald: At only 16, McDonald plays well ahead of her age. She is composed and steady on court and has years of netball experience behind her. She is an important sub player who can step anywhere into the midcourt as needed.
Taya Higgins: Another of one Mildura’s talented youth, 16-year-old Higgins is great interchange for the team. She is experienced, having played in representative teams in Sunraysia and has great ball knowledge.
Zara Copley: A tall shooter, Copley adds a different dynamic to the ring, which allows Vincent or McNamara to be utilised in other areas of the court. Copley’s presence adds depth to the team and allows for different plays to be initiated on the court. The 20-year-old is a talented shooter, with composure and accuracy in the ring.
Ally Leng: Leng might be out of this weekend’s final with a broken collar bone, but she has been instrumental in helping her side make finals. The 18-year-old has been a star player for the side this year, capable of driving the ball up and down the court. She is fast but controlled, and plays with a wealth of experience at her young age. Centre on the 2023 Team of the Year, Leng totalled 14 votes this season, the third-highest amount for the Demons. The girls on court will definitely be relying on her cheering them on from the sidelines.
Wentworth player profiles
Amanda Edwards: This year’s leading goal scorer with 715 goals, the Wentworth playing coach is an unstoppable force in goals. Her ability to move, matched with her accuracy, is a powerful addition to the Roos’ attack. Edwards received 20 votes and polled third for this year’s Best and Fairest, and is undeniably one of the best players in the entire league. Her leadership has driven Wentworth to new heights this year.
Ash Cameron: A consistent force for the Roos, shining in mid court and defence when needed. She slots into the powerful team well, getting her hands on nearly every ball. During last year’s grand final, she worked tirelessly in centre and is sure to impress yet again this year.
Christie Becker: Despite missing a chunk of the season due to rupturing an ATFL (ankle), Christie Becker’s time on the court has yet again proved again she is an athletic star. Included in the A Grade SFNL team of the year as wing defence, the defender has the game knowledge to match her on-court skill. Becker still polled five votes this season despite her interrupted year and powerhouse teammates.
Courtney Wakefield: This year’s Horkings Medal winner and ex-WAFL player made her full-season return to Wentworth a huge one. A powerful athlete, Wakefield will move from one centre court to the ring in the blink of an eye and has been instrumental in slowing down the opposition’s attack. She will be a key player to watch this weekend as she pushed for the win, especially after missing out on playing in last year’s stellar grand final.
Jess Collihole: A new addition to the A grade team this year, Collihole has well and truly earned her spot. Slotting into centre when needed, Collihole has the speed and ability to deliver the ball to her teammates in a quick and precise fashion. Collihole may have flown under a lot of people’s radars this year, but clocked up eight votes, the fourth highest in her team. Starting on the bench, Collihole will be the fresh legs the team needs to hold steady against the Demons’ push.
Kelsey Cameron: An experienced and versatile player whose sharp passing is a real weapon. Cameron has often started as a substitute in 2023 but strong second-half cameos either in centre or at wing attack provides numerous options for the coaching staff, and shows the depth of talent at their disposal.
Liz Rowe: A talented shooter and mover in the ring, Rowe knows how to feed to her teammates and manoeuvre around opponents to get to the best spots. Rowe is no stranger to A Grade, having played since she was 14, the 21-year-old is a young but experienced head on the court. She will be a reliable figure on the court this weekend.
Molly Mangan: As the 2022 grand final best-on-court player, Mangan is sure to back up last year’s strong performance. The midcourter, who was selected as a sub-midcourter on the 2023 team of the year, has great decision making skills and keeps a steady head under pressure. She has amazing control and movement across the court.
Natalie Vercher: A former competitive swimmer, Vercher has strength and athleticism that sees her dominate in defence. Powerful at creating turnovers, the 2023 Team of the Year GK will work tirelessly in defence to stop her opponents. Had some issues with injury earlier in the year but looks to be back in full form, ready for Saturday’s big clash. She will be key top the Roos’ almost unstoppable defensive trio.
