Connections and confidence will be the key to success for Garville Netball Club as they fight for their place in this year’s grand final on Friday night, August 27.
A proud club with a rich history in South Australia, the side will take on reigning premiers Matrics Netball Club in the Netball SA Premier League Preliminary Final.
Garville will enter the match-up with a confident win behind them after securing their ticket to the Prelim Final with a six-goal win over Tango Netball Club last Friday night.
Head coach Kirsty Leonard-Down said her side’s impressive start was key to victory in what was an intense battle with Tango for the entire 60 minutes.
“I thought we were well prepared for what we knew we needed to do, we came out strong to start the game and take the early lead which set us up well,” Leonard-Down said.
“Tango did not make it easy - it was definitely a fierce battle across the court from both teams with all players fighting for another chance.”
Tango and Garville battled it out in the Semi Final last Friday night. On route to the Prelim, the coach’s attention quickly turned to Matrics – a side well-versed in finals success as the reigning premiers from 2020 and 2019.
“We know it will be a very tough game,” Leonard-Down said.
“They have the experience over us, both within their players and in playing finals, so they are a confident group who are well coached and led.
“There’s not really an area they’re exposed in, so we obviously expect the pressure to go up again from last week, but this is finals and that’s to be expected.”
To be victorious, Leonard-Down knows her side must continue to build on what they created across the minor rounds.
With several new additions to the side, building relationships has been a focus all year.
“All season we’ve had a strong focus on our connections and confidence, along with our game plan,” Leonard-Down said.
“With three new recruits to our League side, a lot of this season has been about adjusting and building our game together, as well as the relationships in the team, on and off the court.
“We’ve remained focussed on where we are, what we’ve achieved together and what we need to do.
“At this stage, it is about continuing to build on the trust and connections within our side and committing to our game.”
The League Preliminary Final will start at 8:40pm on Friday night, following the Reserves Preliminary Final between South Adelaide Netball Club and Contax Netball Club at 6:50pm.
Purchase tickets HERE.
Both games will also be live streamed via the Netball SA Premier League Facebook page .
