It will be two very different teams taking to the court when Learmonth meets Springbank in the Central Highlands Netball League A grade grand final on Saturday.
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Springbank may have finished the home and away season in third, but it is a powerhouse when it comes to finals. Having knocked off the top team, Dunnstown, in the preliminary final, the Tigers are chasing their fourth premiership in six years.
Learmonth is also a regular in the finals race, but has not won the ultimate prize for more than 20 years.
The squads are close to full strength, with one notable absence for Springbank after goaler Casey Johnstone did her achilles before finals.
But Springbank coach Garth Kydd said Alizah Osborne had stepped up to fill the void, playing one of her best games in the preliminary final last week.
Learmonth coach Jordan O’Keefe was wary of Springbank’s strong goaling end, its defence and quickness through the centre court, but said it was important for his team to stick to its strengths and execute its game plan.
“We’re a very patient team when we work the ball, but I think we really need to get a few more defensive stops to be able to keep things in our favour,” he said.
The Lakies’ coach was also looking for a strong start after nerves got a hold of the team in last week’s preliminary final against Bungaree.
“I have the expectation that we go out and don’t allow ourselves to be jumped in that first quarter, because against a team like Springbank you’re just not going to get that back,” O’Keefe said.
“I would just like to see us settle into our game a little bit sooner and not get caught too much in the grand final atmosphere, just allow our concentration to be very level, have a bit of faith in each other and not put each other under any unnecessary pressure.”
For Springbank, the major focuses heading into the grand final are team unity and defence, especially getting on top of players such as best and fairest winner and Learmonth captain Eleisha Phelps early in the game.
“We thrive on the fact that we’re positive with each other and that no matter the mistakes that are made that we’re aware that things can pick back up again,” Kydd said.
“The other strength for us is that whole full court game. There is no one on the court that I wouldn’t say is weaker than anyone else, so I don’t feel like any of our girls are going to be intimidated.”