Geelong Amateur ends Grand Final hoodoo

THERE were no clear favourites heading into Saturday’s Bellarine Netball League Grand Final, but for its outgoing coach, Geelong Amateur attained the ultimate parting gift.

Geelong Amateur’s 60-48 win over Ocean Grove at Grinter Reserve was the perfect way to send off head coach Riley Richardson in his final game at the helm of the now reigning premiers.

Ammos goal keeper and best-on-court winner Keisha Guilmartin said it felt like a long time in the making.

“We’ve been working for a long time towards this moment, so to be back this year after losing in 2019 and getting the win on the day is super nice feeling,” Guilmartin said post-match.

“Winning the Grand Final has made it so worthwhile, particularly with the amount of injuries we’ve had.

“We’ve pushed through and pursued; you can’t beat this feeling. We won’t have this team ever again so we will cherish this win that much more.

“We worked so damn hard for it, it means the world to all of us.”

With a margin of just four goals at half time, Ammos blew the game open in the third with a 18-9 quarter.

Geelong shooter Ruby Watson remained cool, calm, and collected at the offensive end, while the hard work at the defensive end from Guilmartin kept the ball moving.

Leading by 13 at the final break, Richardson’s side rode out the remaining 10 minutes to secure the season decider against the Grubbers by 12 goals.

Watson had a massive impact with 48 goals next to her name, backed up by Darcy McFarlane’s 12 goals.

Rebecca O’Neil managed well for Ocean Grove with 30 goals, but it wasn’t enough despite Ashton O’Brien’s 18 supplementary scores.

Watson, Guilmartin and McFarlane all received best-on-court honours for Geelong, whereas O’Neill, Anna Smith and Grubbers captain Kelsey Ollis received the same recognition for Ocean Grove.

Richardson was left speechless following his side’s win, describing the side as “elated”.

“We’ve been working towards this goal for years,” Richardson said.

“We felt confident coming into the Grand Final and we managed to stick to our gameplan.

“Keisha [Guilmartin] had an absolute day, she really maximised her opportunities, which is a credit to her teammates.

“We knew we had to drive really hard offensively, play a great defensive game, and take the ball with two hands.

“Our performance is a testament to our season, and I can’t think of anything better than sharing this moment with the girls.”

Geelong Amateur had lost four straight Grand Finals before Saturday’s win.