Werribee Centrals is poised for a run at a third consecutive GDFL netball A-grade premiership.
The Centurions secured the minor premiership with a 65-42 win over finals contender Bannockburn at Galvin Park on Saturday.
It was an accomplished performance that will send a shiver through the rest of the title contenders two weeks out from finals.
“We had to start strong and there was no turning back from there,” Centurions coach Lina Iuta told Star Weekly.
“Bannockburn was third on the ladder, so we went into the game knowing we had to take control from the get-go. I think we beat them all over the court, from our defensive end right to our goaling end.”
It started at the back for Werribee Centrals, with goalkeeper Amanda Wilson securing best-on-court honours.
Wilson and Jade Terriss clogged the defensive circle, making it difficult for dangerous Bannockburn goal shooter Errin Shaeffer to convert at a high rate.
“Our key was to stop Errin,” Iuta said. “Full credit to our defensive end for doing that.”
Nicole Stewart sparked the Centurions from the mid-court, while Janelle Bragg and Amy Giaini were busy around her.
Ellie Tubbs (49 goals) and Gemma Grimmond (10) worked well with the mid-courters to shoot a winning score.
Iuta is adamant the hunger for a premiership three-peat is there.
“They’ve been through it twice, they’ve won it twice and they want to win it again,” she said.
The Centurions will meet North Geelong in the last round before the finals, at Keith Barclay Oval on Saturday.
They are expected to register an easy victory considering North’s poor two-win record for the season but are hoping for a tough hit-out.
“We’re well prepared going into North Geelong,” Iuta said.
“For us it’s about fine-tuning, tweaking here and there.
“We’re trying to organise practice matches with other teams in the week off to make sure we’re one step ahead for the finals.”
