Gunn aims for grand final glory

AYC-FRIENDS Arrows goal shooter Sophie Gunn is no stranger to the pressures of a grand final.

Possessing an impressive resume that includes two premierships with the Arrows in 2011 and 2012, Gunn is determined to add a third when her side takes on the Cavaliers in the State League grand final today.

And if anyone can help the Arrows redeem their 2014 grand final loss, it is Gunn.

Returning to the club this season after a two-year absence, she has been converting at a blistering 87 per cent, and is the league’s leading goal scorer, with 894 goals.

Averaging 45 goals a game, Gunn is in a class of her own, with 150 goals separating her from the league’s next best shooter.

Humbled by all the attention, Gunn is modest about her achievement.

“I love shooting goals and it’s nice to have the record,” she said.

“I attribute my scoring percentage to a lot of practice, but in terms of the sheer volume of goals I’ve scored, I really need to thank my team.

“Without my team getting the ball to me, I wouldn’t be able to score, and Kate [Costelloe] is an excellent wingman who backs me up every game.

“I’d like to think I’ll be able to beat my own record again in the future.”

Gunn is looking forward to the game today, and getting on with what she does best. “I’m really excited,” she said.

“It’s a great achievement to get to a grand final and even better to get there with your best friends.”

But despite the Arrows flawless season, Gunn knows a win isn’t guaranteed.

“Cavaliers are the underdogs and they’ve got nothing to lose,’’ she said.

“And being the underdogs makes them dangerous.

“We have everything to lose, so we’ll need to stay focused.”

Gunn knows her former Arrows teammate and Cavaliers goalkeeper, Sandra Bennett, won’t go easy on her.

“I’m not going to sugar-coat it — Sandra’s a tough player.

“We’re matched with height and she’s very physical.

“Even when the ball is at the other end of the court, she stays right on me to make sure I know she’s there.”

The grand final will be held at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre from 4pm after the 19-and-under grand final between the Cavaliers and Cripps Waratah, which starts at 2pm.