Joeys resurgence stakes early finals claim

THE lack of change in personnel may prove to be the ultimate factor in St Joseph’s returning to the Geelong Netball League (GNL) finals this season, the team’s head coach says.

Joey’s A Grade coach Kirsten Hood said familiarity and continuity had been key in her side’s unbeaten six-win start to the season through seven rounds, one of three undefeated sides remaining in the GNL next to reigning premiers Colac and last season’s runners-up Newtown & Chilwell.

“We haven’t had a lot of change in the group since last season, but what has helped us to this point is that fact that we all know each other very well.

“We’ve also brought back Emily Kingston who was off on maternity leave last season and she’s really supported our mid-court as a result.

“With them being supported by the likes of Emma Buwalda, Elli Leydin and Tori Honner, a lot is working for us at the moment.”

The Joeys’ defensive unit has also been a standout aspect of the side’s terrific start to 2023, after the team narrowly missed out on finals last year due to an extra bye and percentage, most recently shutting down St Albans last weekend.

Hood’s backcourt of Honner, Claudia Plange, Charlotte Todd and Libby Moloney stymied the Supersaints’ attack in the first period, limiting St Albans to just three first-quarter goals.

Joeys continued the onslaught behind Buwalda’s (57 goals) and Laura Bell’s (28 goals) proficiency at the net, running away with their sixth win, 24-86.

“Our defensive end has spent a lot of time with one another, it falls back to that notion of familiarity,” Hood said.

“As much as we can, we like to push our defenders through to the mid-court, from our wing attacks to our goal attacks just slowing the ball coming in, defence across the entire court is helping us reduce the scores of our opposition.”

Round 8 ends with a blockbuster clash between Joeys and fellow unbeaten side Newtown & Chilwell this Sunday, June 11 at Herne Hill Reserve, starting at 1.45pm.