MILDURA is so much more than just a youthful side, according to shooter Ellie Vincent.
Vincent relocated to Mildura in January this year and found a home at the Demons.
Since then, the 24-year-old has been a powerful force in goals alongside Jess McNamara, and is expected to be in great form for this weekend’s SFNL A Grade netball grand final clash against Wentworth.
Vincent said she had enjoyed playing as a part of the team, who despite being labelled the “young side”, were much more than that.
“I really don’t think that is a reflection on all the girls and how much experience they have had in seniors,” she said.
“I think we are all very well and prepared and hungry for the cup at the end of the day.
“It is what we have worked towards the entire year.”
The team’s ages range from 16 to 27, with even the team’s young guns like Ashleigh Goss, Molly McDonald and Taya Higgins beaming with experiencing having played in representative squads and in senior sides when needed.
Vincent, who is usually found in goal attack but occasionally moves into midcourt for a quarter or two when needed, said she had played with girls in their late thirties in Geelong, and had enjoyed the change to a younger team.
She said she was looking forward to playing alongside them and hopefully getting redemption after losing a grand final herself last year.
“It is not unfamiliar territory for me so I’m excited to come into a grand final again,” she said.
“I lost it last year by a point, so I am definitely hungry to come and finish it with these girls this season.”
Vincent, who will come up against Christie Becker, Natalie Vercher and Courtney Wakefield in her team’s attacking end of the court, said she enjoyed the way the trio played.
The Wentworth defensive trio have a physical and fast defensive style that can be hard to get around.
“I like a good battle,” she said.
“I am very excited to get out I enjoy that physically, the body on body and putting my body on the line.
“It is definitely my type of game that I like to play so I am feeling prepared for it.”
Vincent believed this weekend’s game would be a great competition to watch and she was proud to be a part of it.
“We have worked hard to get this far, and it hasn’t been an easy ride,” she said.
“Very excited to see the outcome of it.”
Vincent was selected in her team’s best seven times out of the 16 games played during the home and away season.
She will likely start in centre, as her flexibility is utilised by the team.
