Down to the wire

It’s show time! The final two sides left in Wimmera Netball Association, Minyip-murtoa and Horsham Saints, have booked their spots and will continue last-minute preparations for their ultimate quest to win this last dance on Saturday.

A couple of short weeks ago I predicted that whoever could beat Horsham Demons would win the flag.

Since then, both sides lining up on Saturday have done just that – knocked the Demons out of the premiership race.

The 2017 grand final at Dimboola will treat spectators to an epic battle, loaded with considerable local talent.

Minyip-murtoa will look to experienced defensive leaders Paula Wiedermann and Stefanie Cooper to settle the nerves and maintain early patience.

The amount of pressure they will put into the Saints feeds into young shooting stars Maggie Caris and Tara Jasper will dictate how the Burras’ day rolls.

The battle in the midcourt will also be a treat.

Burra Stevie Bibby is sure to get the nod on Saints’ Ashlee Grace, with both vying for control and setting their sides up nicely for a quick start.

Whoever can get on top first in the midcourt battle is sure to be a huge plus for their side.

Plenty of depth

Should either the Saints or the Burras look to revamp their middle runners, there is plenty of depth and talent to pick from.

Up front for the Burras, Kirby Knight has dominated for much of the season, but Saints defenders Rene Caris and Larnie Hobbs will be planning to limit the Burras’ timing and space in attack.

Knight’s combination under the post with youngster Maddison Morgan is important – they must keep each other in the game and working for each other.

Saints co-coach Jess Cannane must confuse the space out the front on the circle edge to allow the deflections to come – the only thing better than collecting an intercept is a frazzled midcourt feeder, sending the ball straight out the back or into hands as a forced error.

But for the Burras their wing attack will be their greatest asset.

Ashlee Knight is impressive, unassuming and with no fuss will keep the Burras’ scoreboard ticking, while keeping her connections strong and providing plenty of drive in her attacking half.

The Burras’ versatile specialist Lateesha Gascoyne is another in the camp flying under the radar, at wing defence, arguably the most important position on the court.

If available, she will spend plenty of time collecting the tips and taps, while providing plenty of drive into attack.

Not only must she push the likes of Saints’ Shannon Reinheimer and Megan O’connor wide, she must dictate when and where they can move, wearing them down like a kelpie herding sheep.

If Reinheimer gets her way she can be damaging off the wing for the Saints, and the Saints can get away to their famously big starts.

Knock knock! So who can win? Ah! This game is anyone’s – it’s all about match-ups and is a tough one to call.

There promises to be great battles across the court that will dictate the game’s fate.

A close, extra-time finish would be a fitting end to the exciting seasons these two clubs have produced.