Stratford Football Netball Club may as well have the whole alphabet in this year’s East Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final after their C and D Grade netball teams claimed wins in the Preliminary Finals to join B Grade at a shot at the premiership.
Saturday, what a ripper day for some EGFNL Preliminary Finals. Don’t think so?
The thousands of people at Stratford Football-Netball Club suggested otherwise.
The sun was out, barely a breeze in the air and teams from across East Gippsland gathered at the Stratty grounds for their final chance to fight for a place in the 2022 EGFNL Grand Final.
Stratty’s Football-Netball Club truly harbours some commendable club spirit.
Following their 30 to 29 win over Wy Yung in the semis, Stratford’s B Grade netballers had earned themselves a week off before taking on Lakes Entrance in the Grand Final this weekend in Bairnsdale.
A whole Saturday free to do whatever their hearts desired; a mani-pedi, brunch, shopping trip, beach trip, a sleep-in. The options were endless, but there was only one choice for the Swans: to support the C and D Grade girls as they took on Wy Yung.
With Lakes Entrance up against Wy Yung in the B Grade prelims on Saturday, it also gave the Swans the chance to get to know their enemy.
After a disappointing end to the season last year, B Grade coach of four years, Emma Nowak, says her team are “pumped” for the Grand Final this year.
“The team is confident, but we know it’s not going to be easy,” she said.
“The game to get into the Grand Final was epic; we were down all game and fought hard to win by one in overtime.
“I think we were nervous and could have started better.”
As they prepare for the Grand Final, Nowak is focused on hitting the ground running from the whistle’s blow.
“As we aren’t the tallest team, we need to get in front and stay on our leads,” Nowak said.
“My team are all good players and versatile; our strongest asset and improvement has been playing as a team and not relying on one person to do all the work.”
Nowak is a coach full of confidence in her team but is hella ready for one tough fight.
Following the Under 15s game, which saw Lucknow defeat Wy Yung 38 to 18 and the Under 17s with Lindenow taking the win over Wy Yung 51 to 18, D Grade took the court.
After a 60-minute contest, the Swans flew to victory, defeating the Tigers 34 to 24.
The result: a very happy coach in Maddi Telling.
“The game on Saturday went great,” Telling said.
“We put in a full four-quarter effort and managed to lead from start to finish. We had contributors all over the court; it was a full team effort.
“The girls were nervous but confident heading into the game.
“We had beaten Wy Yung twice throughout the season, so we knew that we had the skills to beat them; we just had to pull it all together on the day.”
Charlotte Runciman at goal attack was a stand-out for Stratford, with accurate shooting and great movement on the court.
Best on court was a hard pick for coach Telling, with every player fronting a good game.
“We really did have contributions from all over the court; however, Keily Nikolajew, Charlotte Runciman and Alex Telling stepped up and were steady heads and hands throughout the game,” Telling said.
“We have had so much improvement throughout the season. Natalie Lancey is our goal shooter; she is playing in her first season of netball here at Stratty and has come miles and is one of the most accurate shooters in D Grade.
“Charlotte Runciman is a young player who has made the step up from Under 17s last year and has been a reliable, steady goal attack throughout the season, especially stepping up due to injury to our other goal attack.”
D Grade will face Boisdale-Briagolong in the Grand Final.
“In the lead-up to the Grand Final, we will keep doing what we have been doing all year; we will be working on lots of game simulations and scenarios around the court, with a key focus on defensive throw-ins,” Telling said.
“Our team are super-excited to be in the Grand Final, we have worked and improved all year, and I don’t believe any of us thought it was possible in the first few games.
“It’s a real reward for effort, and we are super-ready to go in as the underdogs and see what we can do!”
Next up: C Grade.
A 34 to 31 win over Wy Yung continued the success for Stratford in the Preliminary Finals at the weekend, and secured C Grade that golden chance to take home the premiership.
While the Swan’s flight was delayed, coach Sarah Bishop was proud of the girl’s efforts.
“They had a great game, and I was so pleased that they fought back and supported each other to get the win,” she said.
“We have spoken about having a strong start, and I think this will be something we will work on for next weekend.”
Best on court for Stratford went to Sarah Noonan.
“Sarah Noonan had such a consistent game playing C the whole day and in that heat,” Bishop said.
“She was very strong and really connected the attacking and defending end so well.”
Stratford C Grade will take on Lindenow in the Grand Final.
“I know the team is so excited to have made it to the Grand Final,” Bishop said.
“We’ve had lots of changes within the team this year, but they have remained so strong and supportive to one another; it’s so great to be around and experience this with them.
“We are very lucky that Stratford has three teams who have made the Grand Final this year, it’s such a great club to be a part of, and it’s a real privilege to be coaching a team in the Grand Final,” she said.
