Desire to win
Minyip-murtoa has had to pick up the pieces after deathknock grand-final disappointment in Wimmera Netball Association last year.
The Burras have continued to be a force this year, winning 12 of their 15 games, and now confront another testing finals series. With teams preparing for the end-of-season playoffs, The Weekly Advertiser asked Burras coach Claire Drum for her thoughts.
At what stage did you believe you had an A Grade team capable of playing finals? Drum: “From the start we had faith that we could make finals. We had all but one of last year’s team available and were fortunate to pick up Georgia Mclennan to replace injured Jessie Elder.”
What do you consider have been the major hurdles in getting your team to the finals and how did you overcome them? What are the biggest hurdles now you are in the finals? Drum: “Losing two of our three strong defenders to season-ending injuries has been a challenge but we have been fortunate to bring back Bianca Drum and bring up Stacey Arnold from B Grade. Both players have stepped into the team well and have added their own skills.”
What does your team have to do to get into a position to play off in a grand final? Drum: “It’s pretty simple really – win all our games. Each of the teams in the finals has its own style, so we have to play to negate them while also playing our own game strongly.”
Who have been your key players, leaders, mentors and so on have helped you the finals? Drum: “All memof the team have hard to improve themPaula Wiedermann as captain the team well and taken on the working with two new defenpartners while lifting her own game. Kirby Knight remains strong in goals and is well supported by both Maddi Morgan and Georgia Mclennan. Our centre court of Ash Knight, Billie Bibby and Laura Delahunty, as well as Georgia, continually strive to improve.”
From structural, physical and psychological points of view, what are the strengths you can exploit in your team and what are the weaknesses you have to overcome to be successful in the finals? Drum: “With the results of the past three years, A Grade has a stronger desire to finish the season positively and has been working hard on strengthening our team confidence, skills, adaptability and structure.
How do you see the short and long-term future of netball at your club? Drum: “The club has had excellent results in seniors in the past four years. We have a great junior program where development has been the focus, closely tied with the enjoyment of the game. Continual coach, umpire and player development will strengthen the game.” who get to
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