Kate Martin (East Point), Katie Lindkvist (Eureka), Jordyn Bibby (Ballarat Pride) and Jordan O’Keefe.
EUREKA captain Katie Lindkvist wants to collect a piece of history tomorrow.
Her team pulled off the unlikely last week – snaring a spot in the inaugural Central Highlands Regional State League grand final by upsetting undefeated Wimmera Netball Association.
Now Eureka has to try to clear one last hurdle, Ballarat Football Netball League’s star-studded line-up, at the Wendouree Netball Centre.
Eureka will use its line-up that has worked together in The Athlete’s Foot Cup, Ballarat’s premier league competition.
Lindkvist said some players had been asked to play for the BFNL but opted to stick together as a club and the rewards were starting to show.
“We feel more like a team the past few weeks than we have the past two years, thanks to the RSL (Regional State League),” Lindkvist said.
“It’s pretty exciting and we’re happy to have teams in the finals considering we’re a club, not a league or association.”
Eureka players to watch will be versatile tall Nicole O’Brien and Kelly O’Neill, both solid defenders that can switch into strong goaling combinations.
BFNL, coached by Redan’s Kate McMahon, will feature former Ballarat state league players Georgia Cann (Sebastopol) and Stacey McCartin (North Ballarat City).
East Point’s Kate Martin said the league team was confident in the players it would field, despite a big loss in starting goal keeper Erin Riley who injured her hand and elbow in practice matches last weekend.
Eureka will also battle Wimmera Netball Association in the Central Highlands RSL 17/under final.
Netball Victoria’s Regional State League is established across the state and introduced in the Central Highlands for the first time this season.
The competition featured teams from Eureka, the BFNL, WNA and Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League and has plans to gradually grow.
RSL aims to showcase the region’s top talent and, in the Central Highlands, act as a feeder into Victorian Netball League club UB Ballarat Pride.
Today’s winner will progress into a pool to battle for the state’s top RSL ranking.
Central Highlands RSL finals action starts at 11am and leads into Pride VNL home games against Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels.
melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au