By David Nagel
An expected arm-wrestle in Sunday’s elimination final against an evenly-matched Kooweerup has turned into a confidence-boosting win for a fired-up Nar Nar Goon.
Meg Evans and her girls had rolled the Demons twice during the home-and-away season, both times in thrilling circumstances by two goals…but the Goon was having none of that on the weekend as it gradually pulled away to an impressive 63-44 triumph.
The Goon has struggled to get a full team to the court in recent times, but it looked at almost full-strength as it broke free of the Demons with some electrifying play in the first half.
With Olivia Hamilton (C), Meaghan Winter (WA) and Chantelle Dale (WD) in terrific form through the midcourt, the Goon raced out to a 15-10 advantage at the first break, and extended that to a 32-19 margin after a scintillating second quarter of netball.
Zoe Parker (GK) and Hannah Carney (GD) were forming a terrific combination at the defensive end of the court, while Kyra Esler (GS) and Steph Lee (GA) were causing the Demon defenders all sorts of headaches.
It was an impressive display from the Goon, who produced some of its best stuff for the season when it matters most.
The Demons will be disappointed with their performance, but have taken giant strides this season by playing in their first finals series since 2018.
Kooweerup has now played four finals in the WGFNC, and lost all four, but the signs are good that it may be about to change.
Kate Sidebottom has some terrific talent at her disposal, and players like Ash Murphy, Alix Galante, Claise Janssen and Talia Charalambides will be keen to go at least one step further next year.
The Goon now faces Dalyston in Sunday’s first semi-final at Bass after the Magpies won a heated contest against Kilcunda-Bass.
The final score, 40-22, gives no indication as to the competitive nature of the clash.
Dalyston led 14-5 at quarter time, but the Panthers refused to concede an inch and fought for every ball with intent.
It took until the third term for that mantra to translate to the scoreboard, cutting a 13-goal deficit at half time to 11 at the final break.
Players like Kacey Maund (C), Caity Egan (GK) and goaler Isabella Santorini have had terrific seasons for the Panthers, but the task at hand was too great.
It’s now been 10 games since Dalyston suffered defeat, and the likes of Alana McRae, Ruby Brosnan, Sophie Scott and Britt Thomas will fancy their chances of continuing that run when they face the Goon on Sunday.
