Sport
29 August, 2024
Stawell to practice patience in 'home' elimination final | WFNL finals
The Warriors were defeated by Nhill in both regular season matches.
Stawell Warriors co-coach Jemma Clarkson knows her side will have to be on its game in the WFNL elimination final against Nhill at Central Park on Sunday, September 1.
The Warriors locked in a finals berth after a win against Ararat in round 18.
"They're a really strong side and [have] some really experienced players amongst them," Clarkson said.
Clarkson highlighted Ellen Bennett's importance in the Tigers' mid-court, whilst Emma Hawker and Larnie Hobbs form a strong combination in the defensive ring.
"They're very well practiced and have played a lot of A Grade netball," she said.
However, the focus for the Warriors will be on their own game.
"It'll just be about patience again for us; we work best when we can work it down court calmly and into our ring with plenty of space," Clarkson said.
"Our wing defence and our goal defence do a great job of backing us up all the way down the court, but it'll just be about playing our game and not getting caught up in their play."
Nhill has won the two regular-season meetings by a combined 17 goals but will have to face Stawell on its home court.
Something that Clarkson is excited about.
"It's always nice to play a final at home. I'd like to think that we'd get a fair amount of supporters there, which would be wonderful," she said.
"Playing in finals is always great no matter where you're playing, and it's just a bit sweeter when you're playing a final at home.
"So we'll come out next week ready to go and give it a really red hot crack in that first elimination final and try and keep our netball alive for a few more weeks."
Nhill co-coach Tracey Bell is hopefully a big day for the club as four teams will feature at Central Park.
"It's just a really good feel around the whole club... We'll have plenty of supporters there at the one ground, so I think that'll really help," Bell said.
Looking at the contest, not much will change from the Tigers' style, according to Bell.
"We're just focused on our own game and trying to execute that well, keep the consistency up, and be disciplined across the court," she said.
"Being competitive and contesting every ball, and just having disciplined, controlled play."
Bell also expects the Warriors to give it their all.
"Stawell is always a highly competitive team, and we know if we drop our guard, they'll be there to pick it up and capitalise on that," she said
"They always play a hard [physical] style of netball, and they're going to chase every ball down, we just really need to be on our toes.
"They're really patient with their play, too, and they're using their rolling subs quite a bit."
The Warriors will be in action in the 13 and 15 and under against Dimboola and Nhill, respectively.
In the 17 and under, Southern Mallee faces Dimboola.
Stawell is back in action against The Thunder in B Grade, while Dimboola and Minyip Murtoa will contest the C Grade and C Reserve matches.