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ELMORE might have bowed out of the HDFNL finals race, but Bloods coach Sue Borserio insists she could not be prouder of her team’s effort this season.
The Bloods emerged as one of the ‘feel-good’ stories of the 2018 netball season by breaking a six-year finals drought to qualify for last Sunday’s elimination final.
They were beaten 44-33 by Huntly, but not before giving the contest a red-hot crack.
Borserio, who was in her first season at the helm after transferring from BFNL club Kangaroo Flat where she oversaw a highly successful period with the Roos’ junior teams, described Sunday’s final as a real ‘learning curve’ and ‘fantastic experience’ for her players.
“I am so proud of my players for the way they played the game - good clean netball,” she said.
“It definitely hurt us to lose today (on Sunday) the way we did, and I’m so glad the girls understand that feeling, but it doesn’t take any gloss off a super season of netball for our club.
“I was really pleased with Stephanie Donellon’s game in attack, she started the season in A-reserve and has finished as one of our most consistent players.
“Kelsey Niven is another huge gem that’s been unearthed hiding out in Elmore. She has the potential to play a VNL in my opinion.
“Honestly every player has stepped up to the challenge each week.
“Mel Corbett in goal shooter shot consistently at 90% per cent and above and had built her volume up to 40-plus goals each game.”
The Roos finished the season with eight wins, seven losses and one draw to claim fifth place, well up on last season’s tally of two wins (both against Heathcote).
It definitely hurt us to lose the way we did, and I’m so glad the girls understand that feeling, but it doesn’t take any gloss off a super season of netball for our club.
- Sue Borserio
Highlighting the huge gains made in recent years, the Bloods won zero games in 2016 and only once experienced victory in 2015.
A competitive finals performance was highlighted by strong games from young goal attack Donnellon, midcourter Abbey Hay, who was new to Elmore in 2018 after crossing from Loddon Valley club Mitiamo, and a mainstay of the A-grade team in recent season Hollie Hildebrandt.
“Steph Donellon was great as was Abbey Hay who has been a great role model for the girls,” Borserio said.
“Hollie Hildebrandt gave a great performance also gaining many loose balls and playing a tight one on one game,” she said.
“It’s been a ripper of a season; winning our first game is still my highlight and to hear all the supporters cheering and congratulating the girls was humbling for me.
“The Elmore people are fantastic, I look forward to next season and going a lot further in finals “
Not one to rest lightly, Borserio indicated on Sunday focus had already turned to recruiting for next season, with the coach already fielding several inquiries from potential recruits.
She will continue to cast an eye from the sidelines on the Bloods’ 17-and-unders, who won through to this weekend’s second semi-final against Colbinabbin with a 43-37 win against Mount Pleasant on Saturday.
“This is an amazing young team, coached brilliantly be Hollie Hildebrandt,” Borserio said.
“I’ve had my eye on them all year and I’m so impressed with the level of training the girls are put through each week.
“Hollie and sister Jess, her assistant, are very professional and inventive in their drills and skills.”