Belmont Lions co-captain Angelique Ross has remained upbeat after rupturing her ACL in the Geelong & District Netball League second-semi final.
Ross will miss this Saturday’s grand final against Thomson and while the initial disappointment was difficult to shake off, the 22-year-old goaler said she had to move on pretty quickly for the sake of her team.
“I’m really, truly devastated,” she said.
“It’s been a hard two weeks, coming up on two weeks to be (injured) when a grand final comes around.
“But I (take the) focus off me, (and) focus on the girls now. We’re a team, on and off the court, so it doesn’t matter what happens, I’m still part of the team.
“I’ll be there cheering, loud, very, very loud. I have no doubt that they’re going to get it done, with or without me.”
Ross obviously missed the preliminary final win against Inverleigh, but coach Shayna Brown returned to fill the void while the Lions could also turn to Zoe Saunders or Tegan Edwards and Ella Wasik remains as a key focal point in the goalring.
Ross’ twin sister Yianna plays in the same team at wing defence and said taking to the court on Saturday without Angelique would be tough.
“We joined (the club) when we were 19 and I’ve never actually played a Belmont game without Angelique besides last weekend,” she said.
“That’s her first time missing out on a game in four years and trust me, she would be out there if it was anything but what she’s got, unfortunately.
“It obviously devastated us when we saw her go down in that first qualifying final. It’s been a tough week in our household with Angelique.
“Netball is everything to her, but she’s our captain and we know that we just have to get out there and we’re going to do it for her and for us.”
Yianna said her sister was a hyped up fan during the preliminary final.
“She had red marks all down her leg from clapping around her legs because she’s also got a broken hand,” she said.
“She’s the team’s biggest supporter and she always will be and she just wants the best for this team because that’s just the type of person my sister is.”
