AFTER 36 years, Nangiloc’s A Grade side have finally brought home a premiership cup.
In a match that was the definition of nail-biting, the Demons were able to come back from a six-goal deficit at three-quarter time to claim the 2024 premiership by a single goal over Werrimull on Saturday.
Demons defender and grand final best-on-court recipient Ginine Sluiter, who has made four grand final appearances over the past five years, put her body on the line during the match to help her team secure victory.
“I’m so glad that we are finally here,” she said.
“Obviously it has been devastating every year that we lost, but it is so sweet to be finally here.”
Trailing the Magpies for most of the match, the Demons appeared flustered in the first half, unable to settle into their own style of play.
Coach Annette Emonson knew they needed a resurgence in the last quarter if they were to have any hope of winning against a calm and collected Werrimull side.
“We were flat, we went back in ourselves, we weren’t as positive as we should have been,” she said.
“That was the message at three-quarter time – be positive, get out there and go for it, this is your last chance.”
Sluiter credited the win not only to her teammates, but all the players who had been a part of the club over the past five years.
“There are so many girls that I have played with over the last five years that I would put credit to,” she said.
“I’ve stayed here and kept working because so many of them have put so much effort into us winning this grand final.
“They might not be here right now, but are they are in spirit.
“The girls we have now are amazing.
“It has to be a team effort to get it here and I’m so proud of each and every one of them.”
MILLEWA NETBALL GRAND FINAL RESULTS
A Grade
Nangiloc 32 d Werrimull 31
Best on court: Ginine Sluiter (Nangiloc)
B Grade
Bambill 40 d Werrimull 23
Best on court: Maddy Hura (Bambill)
C Grade
Meringur 37 d Gol Gol 31
Best on court: Skyanne Peterson-Murray (Meringur)
18 and under
Meringur 52 d Werrimull 27
Best on court: Skyanne Peterson-Murray (Meringur)
15 and under
Gol Gol 23 d Meringur 11
Best on court: Ruby Bowden (Gol Gol)
