After a promising showing last weekend Wangaratta Rovers A grade netball team is pumped for another positive effort in their last home game of the home and away season on Saturday against Myrtleford. Rovers matched it with ladder leader Corowa-Rutherglen last round for three quarters and coach Gracie Reid is confident her players can continue that against the Saints. "Last time we played the Saints it was a tough one, it was raining heavily and cold but only going down by 12 goals shows us we aren’t too far off them," Reid said. "We’ve come a long way since the last time we met. "The key for us now is taking the energy, belief, and connection we showed last weekend and bringing that from the very first whistle. "We proved that when we do that, we can go toe-to-toe with the best in the comp. "So the focus this week will be on consistently bringing that same level of determination, defensive intensity, and trust in each other for four full quarters. "Saints are a quality side, but we know we’re capable of pushing them if we play our brand of netball and stay switched on across the court." There will be no changes to the Hawks roster this weekend and the approaching spring and finals has added a spring to the step of the Rovers netball squad according to Reid. "Sunshine, good netball, and the smell of finals in the air it all adds to the vibe," she said. "With a few of our teams pushing hard for finals, that excitement and motivation really does ripple through the whole club. "Whether you're in the mix for a top four finish or just enjoying the back end of the season, there’s a real sense of pride and support between the grades. "Everyone lifts a little when there’s that finals energy around, and it’s great to see players across all levels encouraging each other and riding the momentum together." Elle Gibson celebrates her 50th game this week, a credit to her resilience and commitment to the team. "Elle had a tough start to the year, injuring her back early in preseason, which set her back significantly," Reid said. "But despite that, Elle never stopped working. "To return this late in the season and slot into a strong top under 17 side the way she has is no easy feat, but Elle has done it with real composure and confidence. "We’re incredibly proud of her, and reaching this 50-game milestone is a great reminder of her dedication and love for the game." Despite last week's painful loss to Lavington severely denting the chances of Wangaratta Magpies A grade team making the 2025 Ovens and Murray finals, the squad is up and about for this week's clash with another power side in Wodonga Raiders. "Our strategy this week is to play with freedom and joy - just like when you’re 12 and playing for the love of the game," Magpies coach Shea Cunningham said. "We’ll bring intensity, but also embrace the moment. "Raiders have had a stellar season, dropping just three games but we also have confidence in our ability as well." Like most winter sport participants, Magpies' netballers are also up and about with the sparkle that comes with the change of weather as spring approaches, and the thought of finals for multiple grades. "We’re proud of the club-wide effort this season with B, C, and 17 and under all in finals, and A grade still with a chance," Cunningham said. "The finals buzz is energising, and we’re excited to see what the next few weeks bring." But having that strong representation in the play-offs also calls for some strategic team selections. "We're not likely to have any changes to our side this weekend but we are careful in balancing individual development and team performance," Cunningham said. "A grade selection remains as best available for that weekend, but we’re also mindful of workloads and team cohesion." Whichever way you look at it, A graders by their nature go out each week with the intention of winning, and as there remains a slim chance of making finals if they win their final two games, you can bet the Magpies will be aiming to do just that.
