A week at a time
After a perfect home-and-away season, there is no doubt Laharum is the front-runner for this year’s Horsham District A Grade crown.
The Demons have defeated all who have come before them this year, but co-coach Rebecca Mcintyre said her charges would not enter the finals series complacent.
“While we’re happy with our season, we know it’s irrelevant now. We’re back at zero,” she said.
“We are excited to be part of the finals campaign – that’s what everyone plays for.
“Obviously we’ve known for the past few weeks we were going to finish in the one or two spot. We’ve just been taking it a week at a time, but we’ve also been thinking about our game and making sure we were prepared for finals.
“We’ve been able to beat everybody this season, but we know finals is a different competition.”
The Demons have been among the benchmark sides for several seasons but are yet to capture a flag.
Mcintyre and fellow coach Caitlin Story hope additional experience plus a focus on discipline will put their charges in a good position for a change of fortunes this year.
“When Caitlin and I took on the coaching role we wanted to instil our personal values and culture on the team as well as the whole netball club,” Mcintyre said.
“We have a versatile and physically strong team and I’m proud of the way the girls have been more disciplined this year. We have focused on keeping our heads and I want that to continue into finals.
“I want the girls to soak up the atmosphere of finals but not get carried away.
“I think the experience of the team’s two finals last year will pay off and the girls have come along in leaps and bounds this year.”
The Demons will enjoy a week off and have earned a coveted double chance should they falter against Natimuk United in the second semi-final.
“It’s great to have the knowledge we will play at least two finals, whether that be the semi and the grand final or the semi and preliminary finals,” Mcintyre said.
“We will just focus on sticking to our game plan, our structures and getting the job done. We know and respect Nati as a formidable opponent. We know they are a fit and versatile team and most of them are premiership players from last year.
“We’ll look to win our one-on-one match-ups and hopefully come out on top.”
Laharum has created headaches for its opposition this year, with quality players across the court.
Story and Maddie Iredell provide a potent goaling combination, while up the other end of the court, Mcintyre and Ema Iredell make life tough for even the best of the competition’s shooters.
Midcourters Jess Hernon, Courtney Guy and Erin Mellington work as a slick outfit, while travelling players Ally Hiscock and sisters Jordie and Aily Mcauliffe add depth and versatility.
“We’ve mainly been playing with our core seven players, but in my experience as a premiership player and coach, your team is only as strong as its bench,” Mcintyre said.
“We’re super excited to have Ally, Jordie and Aily. They are all quality players who can play several positions.”
Mcintyre said she looked forward to finals getting underway.
“We’re grateful to be there and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” she said.
“We have six quality teams and whoever turns up on the day will win.”