Hawks win five to open season
Drouin claimed five wins over Warragul in the Western Derby to kick off the Gippsland League season.
A grade: Drouin 48 defeated Warragul 40
In a blockbuster match to start off the season, both the Gulls and Hawks came out flying. It was a brilliant match, showing high calibre netball for 60 minutes.
Warragul had a one-goal lead at quarter time, Drouin led by four at half-time and the same margin at three-quarter time. The final quarter was the Hawks’ highest scoring quarter to win by eight.
The Hawks were relentless in defence from goal shooter to goal keeper, building pressure to allow the defenders to have a fly at intercepts.
Ava Gaul flew through the air, taking many brilliant intercepts in the pocket. She also used her speed in attack to push the Hawks forwards.
Chloe Papley came on and used her strength and speed to open up the whole court.
The attack end for the Hawks worked as a unit to get the ball onto the circle edge with a new combination in goals. Karina Healy and Ella Robertson got the job done in fine fashion.
One of the regular things to look for is the match up with Gulls’ coach Renee Cook. It was brilliant to watch Lucy McKellar start to impact the court against whoever she was on.
Awards: Ava Gaul, Lucy McKellar and Ella Robertson.
B grade: Drouin 41 defeated Warragul 40
What a nail biter! It was a tight contest for the full 60 minutes, with the lead changing multiple times - but the margin getting out to no more than two goals.
Ruby Pritchard set the tone in wing defence, contesting the first ball and driving brilliantly out of defence to link with the attack end.
Chelsea DeRiter was the backbone of defence. Playing in goal keeper, she created pressure over the shot and attacked the ball fiercely - along with Lainey Downey.
The inclusion of rolling subs - being used in all six grades this year - had a strong impact, with fresh legs coming on. This was especially useful in the midcourt.
Tess Mapleson came on and had a big impact on the game too, turning to the post and shooting well.
Trusting in the game plan, a high work rate and backing themselves as players and a team is what got the Hawks over the line for the win.
Awards: Ruby Pritchard and Chelsea DeRiter.
C grade: Drouin 43 defeated Warragul 21
Full-court pressure is a sure way to win games, and C grade did just that.
The pressure from attack to defence and concerting the intercepts was exactly how the Hawks won. The whole team stayed calm and composed against a very physical defence; working it around the ring with patience.
Zali Metcalfe showed leadership beyond her years, directing the play superbly in attack. Kelly McMillan, another new Hawk, turned the ball over numerous times and out-rebounded her opposition - at a new end of the court for her.
It was a fantastic game to watch everyone put their work rate to 100 per cent to get the win.
Awards: Zali Metcalfe and Kelly McMillan.
17 and under: Drouin 38 defeated Warragul 21
In a great team effort, everyone playing their role for the Hawks to get the season underway.
Back in the maroon and gold, Lainey Downey combined beautifully with Rachel Turner to get many intercepts in defence.
Once the attack end settled, they showed what they were made of. Bella Tangipo and Kaylee Nalder made it hard for their defenders with their movements and accuracy.
Jasmine Norton, also playing her first game in the maroon and gold, showed her skill set in an impressive manner.
Awards: Lainey Downey and Jasmine Norton.
15 and under: Drouin 19 lost to Warragul 30
It was a tough four quarters in some of the warmest moments of the day. But they did not stop or complain.
Centre Emmersyn Kneebone was the safest hands on court up and down, working to get the ball through to her goalers.
In attack, Fiona Nalder was a workhorse in goal attack, driving hard and also switching it up to get intercepts in the midcourt. Also in goals, Izzy Maloney shot well, working into the front space and running goal attack for the last quarter.
The defensive unit got their hands on plenty of ball, slowing down Warragul’s fast attack end and keeping everyone on their toes.
Awards: Isabelle Maloney and Mylie Stoll.
13 and under: Drouin 39 defeated Warragul 13
The Hawks played a great game and came out firing from the start. They worked really well together and put into play what they had been working on all pre-season.
Amber Hammond and Chloe Gargan worked beautifully together in goals, with Sophie Cassidy and Evie Piner feeding them from the circle and midcourt.
The defenders worked hard all game to create plenty of turnovers which they then converted.
It was a great game to watch and it shows the strength of the Baby Hawks coming into the season.
Awards: Amber Hammond and Sophie Cassidy.