By David Nagel
Two teams that have played in more WGFNC A Grade finals games than all others will take to the court in a massive preliminary final shoot-out on Saturday when Dalyston rolls out the welcome mat for Nar Nar Goon.
Dalyston has played in a remarkable 15 finals since 2017; winning premierships in ‘17 and ’18 and finishing runner up to Tooradin-Dalmore in 2019.
The Magpies are the only team to have played in every A Grade finals’ series since the inauguration of the WGFNC in 2017.
The Goon doesn’t have the silverware to show for its enduring success, with preliminary final finishes in 2019 – losing to Dalyston – and last year against Tooradin-Dalmore their best efforts yet.
But, after an impressive 12 finals appearances in the WGFNC, the Goon appears to have its best chance yet of making it to the final game in September.
The Goon has been super-impressive over the last fortnight; first ending the run of Tooradin-Dalmore before overcoming wet and slippery conditions to end the improving season of Cora Lynn.
It wasn’t pretty at times, but the Goon held its nerve best to win by 12 goals.
Taylah Boatwood and Taylah Ellis were brilliant for the Goon in defence, allowing just 29 goals through the net for Cora Lynn.
Yes, the conditions were certainly ideal for defenders but Boatwood and Ellis took their games to new levels to snuff out the Cobras dreams.
Olivia Hamilton, Meaghan Winter and Chantelle Dale never gave up through the midcourt, and were key players in winning all four quarters of netball.
The Goon’s young goaler brigade of Kyra Esler and Darcy Utber handled the conditions well, while Karly Meinecke had an impact with her inclusion at half time.
The Goon will need to be cherry-ripe for this one; fully switched on, because the Magpies have the class to hurt them.
Defenders Gemma Thomas and Olivia Bramley will get the big jobs on Esler and Utber, while Ruby Brosnan, Britt Thomas and Mataya Maloney with be a handful for Hamilton, Winter and Dale through the midcourt.
And the Taylah’s- Boatwood and Ellis – will need to be at the top of their games against the classy shooting combination of Bella Schmidt and Jarney Thomas.
Dalyston started well against Inverloch-Kongwak last week, while the Goon was slow to leave the blocks; so, keeping the game tight in the early stages will be a key focus for the Goon on Saturday.
This is a tough one to tip; with Dalyston being the better team throughout the season, while Nar Nar Goon is making the most of its chances after sneaking into finals in round 18.
The Goon knocked out Cora Lynn on its home court last week; and face the same challenge against the mighty Magpies this week.
But the Goon’s run will come to an end; it’s the Magpies to take on Inverloch-Kongwak on Saturday 14 September after a gritty three-goal win.
