Devils primed for grand final redemption

DARLEY playing coach Shannon Blackman says composure and relentless pressure will be the keys to dethroning Sunbury in this Saturday’s BFNL A-grade grand final against Sunbury.

The Devils, who advanced to the premiership decider with a 55-47 preliminary final win over North Ballarat, will be lining up in their fourth grand final in a row.

But despite an era of consistency post-COVID, premiership success has eluded the Devils as North Ballarat twice and Sunbury once have taken the spoils.

The only team to have beaten Sunbury this season – by 11 goals in round 10 – the Devils will head into the grand final full of momentum and safe in the knowledge that they were within three goals of the Lions in the first week of finals.

Blackman believes the Devils’ chances will be enhanced by relaxing and focusing on what they do well.

“It’s our game, really,” she said.

“We just need to play composed netball; be patient, but still be relentless in going for everything and putting the pressure on.

“When we get turnovers, we need to reward our defenders down the other end.”

The Devils, who finished the home and away season in second spot with a 15-2-1 record, could not have asked for a better preparation than a robust preliminary final hit-out against the Roosters.

In what eventuated as five-time premiership coach Annie McCartin’s final game at the helm, North Ballarat came from 12 goals down at three-quarter time to draw within three goals with five minutes to play.

But the Devils, led by star shooter Olivia Cawthray, showed plenty of composure, the type of which will be invaluable in a grand final, to push the margin back out to eight goals.

Blackman lauded a clutch performance by her young goal shooter.

“Livvy is just so strong and dominant in there; she rips those balls in,” she said.

Further praise went the way of the Roosters.

“Everyone wants to make the grand final; it was a good game going into next week,” Blackman said.

“At the moment, we are a bit inconsistent, usually within one quarter.

“But we started really strong in how we wanted to play and that’s how we usually do play.

“I watched a bit of their game (the previous) week against Sunbury and they did come out firing and had a five-goal lead for a bit.

“So, it was really important to come out strong.”

The win set up not only a chance at A-grade grand final redemption, but a big day for Darley.

The club will have three netball teams involved in grand finals, including B-grade and D-grade, both against the Lions.

They will be joined by the senior footballers, also playing Sunbury.

Blackman could not be prouder to be leading the Devils into grand final battle, having rebounded after losing their first final.

“This is the fourth year we have been in there and we’ve done it the long way every year,” she said.

“Hopefully this year will be our year.

“I think we have gelled really well – the attitude on court has been great.

“Everyone is playing for each other, backing each other and trusting each other.”