Sharks circling the silverware
GEELONG will chase a grand final berth in Vic League 1 women’s hockey when it meets Mornington Peninsula in Sunday’s second semi-final at the State Hockey Centre.
The Sharks had a near flawless home-and-away season, with just one loss and one draw from 16 matches and scored 5-1 and 3-0 wins over Mornington.
In Mornington’s favour is that it will be fresh off a final round bye, although that is nothing new for Geelong this season.
The withdrawal of Old Xaverians on the eve of the season meant Geelong faced the team coming off the bye every week.
Geelong coach Shane Walters was unsure if it was a benefit to have a rest but will field a team of players likely to have played three times in eight days with many contesting local finals tomorrow.
Geelong‘s women’s reserves are also in a second semi-final, with that match against Powerhouse/St Kilda at Footscray tomorrow. The under-16 mixed side will also play a final, against Melbourne High School old Boys, tonight.
Walters said he expected a tough finals campaign, pointing out all teams in the top four (Powerhouse/St Kilda and Casey play in the knockout first semi) played physical hockey and were “quite quick”.
Geelong, which is all but assured of promotion to Premier League next season, is keen to collect its first silverware in women’s competition.
“I just want the girls to reward themselves for their work in a tough year,’’ Walters said.
“It was November last year we started and we haven’t done a pre-season like that before in my time. I’d like nothing better than to see them walk away with a medal around their neck as reward for their effort.’’