Storm gathers for qualifying final in Drysdale

BELLARINE Storm’s Championship women’s side’s dream season continues tomorrow (Saturday, August 10) night when it hosts Bulleen at home in the first qualifying final.

Storm head coach Tim Sanderson could not praise his team highly enough when reflecting on last season’s efforts in Division One, prior to being promoted to Big V’s top division for 2024.

“We’re absolutely stoked with how the season has gone. We wanted to make an immediate impact on the Big V Championship landscape this season and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Sanderson said.

“We hope to have as many people at Bellarine Secondary College as possible – it’s always fun to play in front of a big home crowd. Last season we had that – and for me personally it’s a big advantage.

“We want people behind us giving the team a bit of a lift in the tough stretches and providing the team with bursts of energy in those late-game situations.

“We can’t wait.”

The Storm has toppled Bulleen twice already this season with wins in Round 6 and last week, defeating the Boomers 62-68 on the road.

However Sanderson emphasised neither of the previous games will bear any effect on Saturday’s matchup, with the winner earning a chance to play minor premiers Wyndham next Saturday for a spot in the grand final.

“They’re a very tough defensive team, very disciplined and have been for a couple of years now, very athletic and a younger group that can change the pace of a game quickly,” Sanderson said.

“They’re very well coached – Mason Rogers has done a wonderful job of putting good structures in place, so we’ll need to stay on top of all of their structures.

“They’re a tough team.”

Bellarine will welcome Chantelle Hall back to the line-up following a late-season omission from last weekend’s game against Bulleen, meaning the Storm will be at full health, spearheaded by the side’s two imports Courtney Strait and Bridgette Rettstadt.

Tip off for tomorrow’s Qualifying Final takes place at 6pm. The game can also be streamed live on the Big V website.