By Effie Caloutas
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
Olinda Ferny Creek v Woori Yallock
Saturday 23 September, at Yarra Glen Football Ground
Last time these two teams met: Olinda Ferny Creek 71 d Woori Yallock 41
Olinda Ferny Creek takes on Woori Yallock in the Division 1 netball grand final at Yarra Glen on Saturday.
Olinda will be looking to secure the premiership after finishing runners-up to Wandin last year, while Woori Yallock will be striving for their first premiership in the Division 1 competition.
Olinda Ferny Creek booked a place in this year’s grand final after they defeated Woori Yallock by 30 goals in the semi-final, while Woori secured a narrow two-goal victory over Wandin to meet their semi-final opponents in the grand final.
Olinda has won all of its past five matches, while Woori Yallock has won three of its past five matches.
Olinda finished the strongest out of the two teams on 72 points, with a percentage of 215.16, while Woori Yallock finished in third position with a percentage of 161.28.
Woori Yallock coach Sarah Hogan said the girls are excited to be playing in the grand final against last year’s runners-up, after their narrow win against Wandin in the preliminary final.
“We are all pretty excited, with all the footy players playing in the grand final,” she said.
“They were feeling pretty proud from the Wandin win. It made them feel comfortable to play with players that were more experienced than them.”
The Woori Yallock coach said she is excited for the challenge ahead against Olinda.
“I am already stoked at what the girls have achieved this year,” she said.
“To have three sides in a grand final; it’s pretty exciting.”
Scoring 890 goals for the year, Peri Stewart will be one to watch come this weekend’s grand final.
Olinda Ferny Creek netball co-ordinator Matthew Blanchard said Stewart had played a pivotal role in Olinda’s success this season and expected her to fire this weekend.
“Peri has been a remarkable story after coming from a serious car accident in 2014,” he said.
“She has really improved in the last few years and this year she has fitted in nicely up forward.
“We expect her to fire for us in the ring alongside Tess Linkins and Ashlee Howard.”
Blanchard said the girls went out to Woori last weekend and were prepared for their challenge against their respective opponents in the grand final.
“Girls went out to Woori to watch them in the prelim final. On Monday night we had a light training session and talked game tactics,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the challenge come Saturday.”
