IT will have to be fourth time lucky if Murrabit are to take out this year’s Golden Rivers Netball League A Grade premiership.
The Blues take on defending premiers Nullawil, who despite having three cracks at the Maroons this season, are yet to record a win with the margin growing on each occasion.
The two regular season clashes were the only defeats Murrabit have suffered this season but Blues coach, Ashea Bujdoso says they are well prepared for what faces them at Wandella on Saturday.
“We have played them a few times now so we know how they play and we’re just preparing for those matchups,” she said.
Opponents Nullawil are well-rested after a week off and in pursuit of back-to-back premierships on a historic weekend for the club with all five netball sides featuring in grand finals.
The Maroons are on the right side of that ledger against the Blues this season, but aren’t taking that for granted.
“We’re definitely not letting the margins of those victories get to us,” Hogan said.
“They [Murrabit] have a brilliant attacking end that we know we need to shut down early.
“We’ll have to keep our defensive pressure up and looked to turn as many turnovers as possible in attacking chances.”
Both mentors are expecting to name full-strength sides – a welcome relief for the Blues who have been hampered by niggling injuries and haven’t had a full roster to select from for some time.
Both coaches have suggested that the battle between Maroons shooter Kellie Walker and Bernice Foott will be pivotal to the outcome.
“She’s a strong shooter and she dominates in the ring and we’ll be looking at strategies to minimise her influence,” Bujdoso said.
Goals win matches, particularly grand finals, and Nullawil will be buoyed by the knowledge they have one of the finest in the business down back in league best and fairest Mollie Quin.
Neither side lack finals experience and both mentors are expecting their squads to live up to the occasion.
