KDL ǀ Thunder out to go one better, Redlegs to challenge for A-grade premiership

In stunning fashion, Tallygaroopna ended Shepparton East’s season last Saturday in the first preliminary final, delivering the Eagles their first defeat of the 2022 season.

A first-quarter dismantling, largely thanks to the pinpoint accuracy of the returning Mel Kittlety, would put Tallygaroopna on track for a mammoth 37-29 win.

Kittlety secured best-on honours, while defensive duo Rebecca Brett and Bree Giles stood tall in the Redlegs’ defensive ring to stifle East’s attacking play.

Tallygaroopna’s opponents this Saturday are no stranger to a big dance.

Dookie United will take to the court for its second straight KDL grand final this weekend, and will be eager to put to bed memories of its 2019 shellacking.

The Thunder fired on all cylinders in its prelim on Sunday, sending Nagambie packing 43-37.

Defender Laura Kelly took out the MVP for her defensive performance, while Hayley Symonds helped set the tone through the midcourt in a stellar display.

Playing coach Maddison Owen, who will look to lead from the front on Saturday, said her side was pumped for its second shot at a premiership in as many years.

“We’re all very excited, obviously we’ve played in a grand final against Stanhope a couple of years ago which didn’t go our way,” Owen said.

“We’re trying to treat it like a normal game, most of the team didn’t play in the last one, it’s a pretty fresh team which was good, they’re all very excited.”

Six goals was all that separated the two sides the last time they met, and Owen is anticipating another tense encounter at 2pm on Saturday.

“We’re expecting a fierce contest. I think it’s going to be a really tough game,” Owen said.

“Tally never let you get anything without a bit of a battle which is good. We’ll just try hold our own, play our game and take it up to them as much as possible.”