Werribee Centrals are hoping to add another Geelong and District Netball League premiership this the cabinet this Saturday.
The Centurions won through to a second straight grand final on Saturday, beating Winchelsea, 30-25 to set up a showdown with East Geelong.
Centurions co-coach Hailey Kennedy said the group stuck to the task at hand against Winchelsea.
“We’re super excited,” she said. “I’m proud of the girls and they did an amazing job.
“They did really well and supported each other.”
The Centurions received a boost before the game, with defender Amanda O’Malley declared good to go.
The Margaret Webb medallist has been battling a back injury and missed the side’s semi final win the previous week.
Kennedy said they looked to rotate O’Malley and Brigitte Ardossi throughout the quarters to keep both players fresh and the decision paid off.
Once the game started, the Centurions were able to build into the game nicely.
“It was fairly on par in the first half,” Kennedy said. “We were able to chip away at it and got a couple of intercepts and tips.
“We definitely got on top of their goalers and we were able to grab some more loose ball when the pressure got to them.
“We were able to capitalise on that and it was good.”
Jenni Rothery shot 19 goals for the Centurions, with Kennedy saying she was one of the standout players on the court.
She also highlighted the performance of Caitlin Hendricksen in goal defence.
The Centurions are now back through to a position they know well, the final day of the season.
Kennedy said it’s just as exciting every year.
“Eight or nine players have been with the club for a long time,” she said. “I’ve been involved for 20 years on and off.
“As a collective unit to be back there again we are lucky. Not everyone gets to play finals.
“I saw them lose last year and I’ve seen the work they’ve done and I would love them to walk away with the premiership.
“We’re getting a little bit older and not sure who is coming back. If they aren’t coming back a premiership would be the icing on the cake.”
The Centurions face East Geelong in the grand final. The two teams faced each other in the opening week of finals, with East Geelong winning by one goal on that occasion.
Kennedy said they had played some good netball since then and were keen to continue it for one more week.
“Finals, anything can happen,” she said. “If we play like we have been playing, hopefully we’ll get over the line.”
Tara Murray
