By Justin Flynn
East Geelong goes into the Geelong & District Netball League A Grade grand final full of confidence with two finals wins against the top two sides.
The Eagles finished third on the ladder and defeated Werribee Centrals in the qualifying final by one goal and then knocked off top side Winchelsea in the second semi-final to earn a direct path through to the decider.
East Geelong will meet Werribee Centrals at St Albans Reserve on Saturday September 16 for the second year in a row.
Coach Justine Radford said her side was playing good netball.
“We’ve hit our straps these finals series,” she said.
“It’s good to see the girls determined. We always go into a match against Werribee knowing it’s going to be a physical contest so it’s going to be who plays well on the day.”
Radford said it was a “deja vu moment” that the two sides will meet again in the grand final this year after the Eagles won the 2022 flag by a solitary goal.
“Just from watching them (Centrals) the last few weeks and playing against them they still have that physical game,” she said.
Radford said her squad’s best attribute was “composure”.
“Composure is my team’s strength and determination,” she said.
“They don’t play for themselves, they play for each other. They have confidence and belief in themselves.”
The Centurions won through to a second straight grand final on Saturday, beating Winchelsea, 30-25 to set up the showdown with East Geelong.
Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said her group was excited to be back on the last day of the season.
“Eight or nine players have been with the club for a long time,” she said.
“I’ve been involved for 20 years on and off. As a collective unit to be back there again we are lucky. Not everyone gets to play finals.
“I saw them lose last year and I’ve seen the work they’ve done and I would love them to walk away with the premiership.
“We’re getting a little bit older and not sure who is coming back. If they aren’t coming back a premiership would be the icing on the cake.”
The game starts at 3pm at St Albans Reserve.
Thomson takes on Inverleigh in B Grade at 2pm, Winchelsea plays Corio in C Grade at 1pm and Corio tackles North Geelong in D Grade at noon.
Werribee Centrals play Anakie in 19 & Under at 11am, East Geelong and Anakie meet in the 17 & Under at 10am, East Geelong plays Bannockburn in the 15 & Under at 9am and Anakie and Bannockburn kick off the huge day of netball in the 13 & Under at 8am.
