Tough call denies back-to-back titles
GEELONG COUGARS HAWKS NETBALL 45 46
A CONTENTIOUS decision against goaler Hannah Van Gemst denied the Geelong Cougars a chance to push yesterday’s division one VNL grand final into extra time.
With 13 seconds on the clock, Van Gemst was controversially called for contact, robbing her of the chance to level scores against Hawks Netball and keep the Cougars’ hopes of back-to-back division flags alive.
Geelong had fought bravely from seven goals down at three-quarter time to give itself hope of pulling off a remarkable comeback, but coach Olivia Wilson said while there was a sense of frustration about the late call, the Hawks had played more consistent netball all day.
“It is disappointing but it is a 60-minute game and we got ourselves 10 goals down,” Wilson said. “We made some key changes that were beneficial for us and that pegged us back into the game.
“The girls are disappointed but they had a really good season, finished on top, and that’s just how it goes.”
There were some notable personnel changes from last year’s all-conquering division side, with players promoted to championship and a handful of last season’s under-19s girls stepping up.
Wilson said despite the heartbreaking loss, she was proud of the depth Geelong was building. “Obviously it is not the same team as last year, we have had girls go up and we have taken some of the under-19s girls who won last year up, so the depth of the club is amazing,” she said.
“It is a really good place to be, there is a great atmosphere and everyone gets around each other.
“Hopefully next year all three teams get back in (the grand final).”