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SANDHURST will be chasing back-to-back BFNL 17-and-under premierships on Saturday when it clashes with Gisborne at the QEO.
The Dragons will be attempting to become the first team since Kangaroo Flat in 2014-15 to achieve consecutive flags.
It’s been a far different journey to the grand final this time around for the Dragons, who dominated the season as minor round premiers with a 14-1-1 record and won their sole final 41-40 against Kangaroo Flat.
Last season they had to survive three cut-throat finals before defeating Maryborough by 21 goals in the premiership decider.
There are definite comparisons that can be drawn between Sandhurst’s 2017 team and the 2018 version of Gisborne.
The Bulldogs have also won their way through to the grand final from the elimination final, overcoming Golden Square 56-36, South Bendigo 55-43 and Kangaroo Flat in last weekend’s preliminary final 41-38.
This is the third straight year a team from outside the top two at the end of the minor rounds has advanced to the grand final, after Strathfieldsaye qualified for the 2016 premiership decider from third place.
The Dragons have won both previous clashes between the teams this season, 35-25 in Gisborne in round 14 and 46-30 at the QEO in round five, and will carry plenty of confidence into Saturday’s game with those results in mind.
Sandhurst coach Rose Gallagher said it had been an exceptional season for her girls and believed a premiership would be a good reward for their hard work.
“The girls have all worked well as a team, that’s probably been our standout trait,” she said.
“We have a team of 10 and I can put all 10 on the court and have faith that all 10 can play well and do their job.
“That’s been our strength this year. We don’t rely on one or two players, we’ve been working hard to develop and make sure everyone has their spot and can play it well.”
We have a team of 10 and I can put all 10 on the court and have faith that all 10 can play well and do their job. That’s been our strength this year. We don’t rely on one or two players.
- Rose Gallagher
Seven Dragons players have appeared in both seasons.
They are team captain Keeley Jones, Piper Dunlop, Bronte McConnachie, Darcey Lloyd, Matisse Perez, Ebony Bayliss, Emmie Banfield and Pip Robertson
New to the line-up this season are Meg McCarthy, Tess Keating and Sahara Rodda.
Jones, Dunlop and Banfield all figured prominently in the league’s Carol Sing Medal Count with an equal team-high 15 votes apiece, while Keating scored 12 votes.
Gallagher, who took over the reins from 2017 premiership coach Jannaya Webb, admitted to keeping pretty close tabs on Gisborne and being very impressed with their development through the season.
“They are getting stronger and stronger with each game,” she said.
“I’ve watched a few of their games –we’ve got an interest with Emmie Banfield’s two cousins playing in the team.
“I’ve watched them develop in different tournaments – Olivia and Eloise Rodda are a formidable little midcourt combination.
“I expect a tight game on Saturday.”
Matches between the Dragons and Bulldogs will bookend grand final day, with the clubs also set to clash in the A-grade premiership decider.
Gallagher hoped her 17-and-under team could set the tone for a successful day for the club, with three netball teams and two football teams all involved in grand finals.
“I’ve been involved with the club for a lot of years and been back in Bendigo for seven years,” she said.
“Jannaya Webb convinced me to come back into the fold, but have always had Dragon blood in the veins.
“It’s going to be a very big day all round for the Dragons.”
The 17-and-under grand final begins at 9am.