Netballer Sarah Wall. FILE PHOTO.
MELBOURNE Vixens centre-courter Sarah Wall is excited to bring grand final fever to Ballarat, calling on junior netballers to get ready.
The Vixens roll into town tomrrow for a school holiday clinic, little more than a week out from the ANZ Championships title match.
Sessions will concentrate on specialist coaching but the program will be run just like a Vixens training session — juniors warm up exactly like the Vixens and move into drills the Vixens use to sharpen their skills.
Wall said the Vixens were sticking to business as usual and Ballarat youngsters would get a taste exactly what it would be like.
The Vixens are determined to win back the title they last won in 2009 and drawing in fans was all part of the build-up.
“For us, it’s important to share the experience with girls who are one day aspiring to be Vixens players,” Wall said. “I feel this time the grand final is a little more special.
“We went in as underdogs this season but everyone pulled together and we’ve given a lot back to fans in close matches.
“Nothing has been given to us, we’ve worked hard for it.”
Wall has close ties to Ballarat, with sister Leesa Battistello coaching Dunnstown, and knows first-hand how strong support for the Vixens is about the district.
She will be joined by defender Kara Richards, development player Kelsey Browne and Vixens assistant coach and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eloise Southby-Halbish for the program at Llanberris.
It has been an important comeback season for Wall, who moved to Queensland Firebirds after the 2009 title but returned to the Vixens last year in a bid to help recovery for a knee reconstruction.
Wall said she felt strong again on court and was prepared to play whatever role the team might need from her.
Follow @Melanie_Whelan
None