Eyes on the prize

Noradjuha-quantong has shaken off the disappointment of last year’s Horsham District grand final defeat and has its eyes firmly set on this year’s title.

Co-coach Yolly Molineaux said her charges were focused on one game at a time.

“Last year it just wasn’t our day, but that’s netball,” she said.

“We haven’t really spoken about it much as we need to focus week by week on who we are playing and how to beat them, and focus on ourselves.”

Molineaux said 2017 had been the Bombers’ toughest season in some time, playing four of the top-six teams twice.

“We struggled at the start of the year due to our attack end not being familiar with each other,” she said.

“In the past five to six weeks we’ve really hit some good form, which has come out of hard work at training plus our attacking end starting to gel. We’re feeling good.”

Young goalie Lucy Brand has come into her own in goal attack, combining well with veteran shooter Sharon Fedke.

“Shaz is unstoppable if she’s on-song in her shooting range, whereas Lucy can burn her opponents with her speed,” Molineaux said. Noradjhua-quantong also boasts a strong, relatively young midcourt, led by wing attack Georgia Francis.

“George is having a standout season,” Molineaux said. “She controls the attack and has speed to burn. Ash Ryan is a newcomer this year and has slotted wonderfully into centre. She has incredible aerial ability.

“We have Carly Creek in wing defence. She’s a real ‘tagger’ who wears her players down with her fitness, while Maddi Focroul is a luxury to have at wing defence or centre.”

Molineaux is the last line of defence alongside Brooke Pay.

Both create headaches for opposition goalies.

Molineaux said her team’s biggest strength was the confidence her players had in each other and the way they were playing.

Noradjhua-quantong finished fifth and will play fourth-placed Southern Mallee Giants.

“Having the Giants first-up is going to be hard,” Molineaux said.

“I believe they are the dark horse, which they showed by beating Laharum. They probably should be higher up the ladder than what they are.

“Nevertheless, we will give it our all. Everyone in the top six is a threat.”

The Bombers will again be well represented in finals, with all senior grades and a junior grade making the cut.

“Having so many netball teams playing finals for Noradjuha-quantong such a wonderful achievement that we ought to be proud of,” Molineaux said.

“It shows how hard our coaches and administration staff work to put time and effort into these players and teams.”

The Bombers and will contest an elimination final at Stawell’s North Park on Sunday. Giants is