A PREMIERSHIP with her 'great mates' was the perfect parting gift for White Hills goal attack Rhian Moresi.
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The star Demon will leave the Bendigo region in the next few weeks, bound for Torquay, where she will work as a dietitian.
She will leave Scott Street with all of three premierships, dozens of fond friendships, hundreds more memories, and her reputation as a big-game performer enhanced.
Moresi, who joined the Demons in 2017 and played in that year's A-reserve premiership, added another two in A-grade in '18 and '19.
Testament to her class and strong work ethic, the 25-year-old was an influential figure in both back-to-back A-grade triumphs.
Moresi was adjudged best on court in last year's premiership win over Colbinabbin, and was likely the strongest opposition among her own team-mates to Saturday's award winner, Demons coach Lauren Bowles.
In the minutes after the premiership cup was awarded, Moresi was able to reflect on a remarkable three years in her life.
"I think what makes White Hills such a fantastic club is the people and the fact that they retain so many players says it all," she said.
"When I decided to move, one of the hardest decisions was having to leave such a wonderful club and such a big family, because they are a part of my family.
"It has been an exciting three years and to win three grand finals in three years is just such an amazing experience, and one that I probably won't have again.
"I am very, very thankful and grateful for such a wonderful opportunity."
Moresi's partnership in the goal circle with shooter Ashley Gilmore was crucial to the Demons' success all season and again on grand final day.
They were made to fight every inch of the way by a brilliant Colbinabbin defence, featuring two-time league medal winner Brydie Lawford, Lou Dupuy and, at various stages, Kate Rankine and Ellie Duthie.
Moresi paid full compliment to the Grasshoppers for another absorbing grand final contest.
"Their defenders are amazing, the hold that they have is incredible," she said.
"I will admit I look for the dish-off to Ash as my first look and then I'll look at the goal. It's a confidence game, shooting.
"For Colbinabbin, I think the difference from last game to this game was their goalers were a lot more consistent.
"Jess Geary was a real highlight for them. Her holding was fantastic, her accuracy amazing, and their consistency down the court was great," she said.
"They put four quarters together really well.
"It was neck-and-neck the whole game - it was maybe our intensity and hunger that got us across the one."
A team-first player of the highest order, Moresi was glad she could share her last game at the club with premiership players from three other White Hills teams after the Demons also won in A-reserve, B-grade and B-reserve.
"To get six teams (including two football) into grand finals was amazing, but in all honesty, there was no expectation to win all six," she said.
"The feel at the club Thursday night was just to go out there and do your best. We were just thankful to have all those teams in.
"What makes the clubs special is people enjoy and play with their mates and loving have their mates' backs.
"And I think you can see that shows on the court.
"It's hard to leave because I don't think I'll find another club as close-knit as the Hillies."
More certain is some lucky netball club in the Geelong region will soon have on its books an outstanding netballer and loyal and warm-hearted team-mate.
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