Roos’ final quarter blitz keeps long win streak alive

AN explosive last quarter, which Kangaroo Flat coach Jayden Cowling described as one of the best he has seen from the Roos against top-calibre opposition in his nine-years at the helm, sank Gisborne’s hopes of putting an end to the reigning A-grade premier’s imposing win streak.

A pumped-up Bulldogs gave themselves every chance of inflicting the Roos’ first defeat since the 2024 grand final when they led by three goals at three-quarter time.

But an astonishing 23-10 final quarter blitz, outstandingly led by star goaling pair Ruby Barkmeyer and Teal Hocking, enabled the Roos to ruthlessly brush past one of their main rivals for this season’s flag.

A 57-47 win was the Roos’ 25th straight across the last two seasons.

While their ability to win from behind has rarely been tested over the past two seasons, Cowling was happy to discover the Roos were more than capable of doing it.

“It was definitely one of the best quarters we have played against a Gisborne or a Sandhurst; a 23-10 last quarter against Gisborne is huge,” he said.

“We weren’t happy with how we played the first three quarters, but to turn it on in the last shows what kind of netball we are capable of.

“Credit to Gisborne, it was an awesome game to watch from the sidelines; they made it very tough for us.

“It was really good to have that challenge of being down and having to have the girls fight it right out.

“We haven’t really found ourselves down much this season.”

In fact, the Roos have trailed just twice at the end of any quarter this season – at quarter time and half-time in their opening round encounter at Gisborne.

The margins were five goals and one goal before edging their way to the front in the third term en route to a three-goal win.

Sandhurst too has been close, trailing the Roos by just three goals at half-time in their round 5 encounter at the QEO, before the reigning premiers pulled away for a 10-goal win.

With the scores tied at half-time on Saturday and Gisborne’s pressure, particularly in defence, causing concerns through the efforts of Kirby Elliott, Charlee Kemp and Tilly Shepherd, Cowling was not afraid to ring the changes.

 

A regular fixture in A-reserve, but used on occasions in A-grade, Emma Moroney replaced Megan Wilson at wing defence after half time and chimed in with some key intercepts.

Wilson returned in the final term in place of Ava Lowndes at goal keeper.

Cowling said Barkmeyer and Hocking took their game to another level in the final quarter and ‘hardly missed’, while in defence, the performance of seven-time A-grade premiership player Alicia McGlashan could not be underestimated.

“She was outstanding … she really came to life and got us some crucial ball when we needed it in the last quarter,” he said.

In an ominous sign for rivals, dual Betty Thompson medallist showed she is not far off her best following an injury interrupted start to the season.

Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said deep down she was anticipating something special from the Roos in the final term, but was hoping her side could build on the momentum of strong middle two quarters.

“We really needed to start that fourth quarter well, which we didn’t, and it gave them a sniff and they capitalised so quickly,” she said.

“Credit where credit’s due.

“Teal and Ruby were really strong in that last quarter. It had been a very even game until then.

“We probably could have been a little bit further up at three-quarter time, but no taking away from Flat and what they were able to do.

“It might have been just a little bit of inexperience for us, being able to steady and look after that lead and close the game out.”

The Bulldogs will look to rebound at home against South Bendigo, with third spot up for grabs after the Bloods defeated Strathfieldsaye by 19 goals on Saturday.

“We’ll look forward to another tough hit-out, obviously with a few things to work on,” Rymer said.

Gisborne won the teams’ earlier season meeting on 11 April by seven goals.

Up next for Kangaroo Flat is Castlemaine at Camp Reserve.