A RUTHLESSLY efficient first half by Mildura has set up a date with Wentworth in this week’s SFNL A Grade netball semi-final.
The Demons were too strong for fellow top-three side Irymple at Henshilwood Oval in Saturday’s qualifying final, running out 63-38 victors after establishing a 38-18 advantage at the long break.
Mildura’s rapid-fire passing and athletic catching ability was on full display.
Young gun Ava Zadow is a definite contender for this year’s A Grade Jackie Horkings Medal and Saturday’s performance showed exactly why.
Her size and timing in attack was instrumental in the Dees establishing a 20-goal half-time lead, and the volume of passes flying into the shooter’s circle made it hard for the Swallows defence to combat.
Coach Ellie Vincent then had the luxury of rotating Zadow back to her natural defensive post in the third quarter, before moving back to shooter in the final term to ice the game.
Zadow’s attacking partner Jess McNamara was also superb across the game, showing great composure under the ring.
Experienced defender Sharon Watson also put in a top-notch performance with plenty of rebounds and intercepts.
Vincent said it was nice to get the first finals game out of the way, marking Mildura’s fourth consecutive win.
“It’s always nerve-racking, no matter how many finals you play, but nerves are a good thing,” she said.
“We’re just kind of focusing on each quarter and coming out as hard as we can, 15 minutes at a time, and just getting through that.
“Today was so nice being able to watch the girls from the sidelines and seeing it all come together.”
Vincent was also glowing in her praise of Zadow and the versatility of the squad.
“She is phenomenal. No matter what I ask of her she goes out there and does it.
“It’s nice to have that versatility and we can fill any part of that court, no matter what happens on game day, and try new things and we’re all very comfortable with each other in these roles.”
The Swallows can still be a force in this finals series and have the team to make a real challenge,
Star centre Shakara Delcastegne ran herself into the ground and acted as the fulcrum for the Swallows’ movement, while also spending some time in wing attack.
Vanessa Power provided a target in the goal circle and even played the final quarter in goal defence, while shooting partner Shelby Trigg sank some fantastic long shots.
