Tara Murray
No one at Glen Orden could have imagined the Western Netball League season the club would have, with all six teams making the grand final.
After only having a couple of teams the past few years in the lower grades, the Hawks entered a new era under Rebecca Hicks this season.
The star goal shooter joined the club as coach and set about changing things.
“It is amazing,”she said. “It’s crazy that we have done it.
“It was about building a good culture and helping them get a more of a reputation in the league.
“For so long people haven’t known who they are.
“The main focus was getting six teams on the court, I could have only dreamed of this.”
Hicks said when she first started the aim wasn’t six teams, but when they had massive numbers at trials she pushed to make sure everyone got their chance.
“I pushed and pushed for players to come to Glen Orden,” she said. “They’ve helped me get to this stage.
“To get six teams I was pretty happy with.”
Four of the Hawks teams are in grand final action on Friday night.
The division 3 team face Lakers 3, the division 4 team face Point Cook Blue, the division 5 team play Parkside and division 6 team face Glen Orden Cowell.
Hicks said it was pretty exciting for those sides.
She said if they were to walk away with four premierships it would be exciting.
“A lot of the players in the lower divisions have not experienced finals before so it’s exciting for them,” she said.
“They were a little bit nervous but after two weeks they know what to expect. I’m proud of the girls, to get this far it’s been a pretty challenging season with injuries and pregnancies.”
The top two teams will play their grand finals next Friday.
The division 1 side will play Spotswood Gold, while the division 2 team will play Yarraville Seddon Gold.
Both Hawks sides have won 11 straight games after the grading rounds.
Hicks said both sides had come together so well.
“It’s an odd feeling,” she said. “I said to the players,”do you want to come and play and they were keen”.
“I didn’t expect to finish on top and undefeated all season.
“They are two really strong teams and a lot of players from different competitions that have come together and gelled.
“Hopefully we have a good outcome.”
For Hicks, it continues a run of having played in every single division 1 grand final so far.
She previously played for Point Cook Centrals.
This year has been different for Hicks. One of the premier shooters in the competition, she has spent plenty of time at the other end of the court.
“It’s an odd feeling for me,” she said. “I gave up the shooting position this season.
“I’ve enjoyed playing defence and there’s less pressure on me. This year has been easier and a more fun.”
