Eagles fly high for second time in three years

THE Geelong & District Netball League Grand Final local netballers had hoped for since the height of COVID-19 delivered what was promised, but a familiar face ended up lifting the trophy in 2024.

East Geelong repeated its drought-breaking 2022 by adding to its A Grade netball silverware cabinet with a 27-33 win over Wincheslea in Saturday’s contest.

Eagles playing coach Claudia Cook spoke post-game about her pride of the group and the team’s motivation to finish the season on a high note, following last year’s Grand Final loss to rivals Werribee Centrals.

“It’s really special and after going down last year by a few goals, we were not happy ending our season the way we do, we don’t mind losing if we at least play well,” Cook said.

“So, to come back this year and finish it off with a really good game, we’re all just so proud.

“It was also really good to meet Winchelsea in the final, because they have been the team to beat the past three years and to see them grow and develop as a netball program the past few years has been really good to see.”

The Eagles found their groove in the second quarter, launching a string of defensive stops and punishing the Blues around the net to lead 10-17 at half-time.

In the dying minutes, East Geelong had an answer for anything Winchelsea threw at them in the fourth quarter, not allowing the Blues to gather any substantial momentum.

The margin was six goals when the final siren sounded, as captain Stephanie Boyce and her team-mates stormed the court to celebrate with the East Geelong faithful.

East Geelong shooter Mary Waldron led all scorers with 18 goals and was rewarded for her efforts by receiving the best-on-court medal.

Winchelsea had four contributors around the net, sharing the scoring load between Ebony Berg (10 goals), Katrina Biscan (seven goals), Katrina Filice (six goals) and Olivia Paatsch (four goals).

Boyce was elated following the win, commending her side for a terrific season and an inspirational performance for head coach Justine Radford, who coached under an illness cloud leading up to the Grand Final.

“We were so proud of our efforts, we just wanted to leave the court with our helds held high, and we can absolutely say that, and we got the win as well which is amazing,” Boyce said.

“You’re never guaranteed a win in those late stages, and it was a fight to the end, it was everything we were expecting.

“The loss we had to Winchelsea two weeks ago really refocused us, and having to into the Preliminary Final against Bannockburn showed us we had to knuckle down and it was a really good thing for us.”

Other senior netball premiers on the day included Werribee Centrals in B Grade and Under 19s, and Inverleigh in C Grade and D Grade.