A finals side in 2023, Rumbalara’s A-grade squad has a big chance to take the ultimate step forward this weekend.
The Rumba women acquitted themselves perfectly well 12 months ago in making the Murray Netball League’s top six, though they fell at the first hurdle to Moama in an elimination final.
Having beaten every single adversary who approached them in 2024 — at least, where the play on the court was concerned — Rumbalara has been the undisputed premier force in Murray competition to this point.
That only takes you so far, however, with the premiership obviously decided by the premier force on one big day at Moama in Saturday’s decider.
How fitting it is, though, that the Shepparton-based outfit’s journey to a potential flag meets its final stop opposite the side that ended its dreams a little over a year ago.
Knocking Moama over on its home court with the stakes raised to their apex is anything but a guarantee, though, and Rumbalara coach Jess Bamblett recognises it as such.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in the normal season. It’s finals now and anything is possible,” Bamblett said.
“If we stick to our play, that’s what we’re worried about more than anyone else.
“We’re feeling calm and composed. I think it’s just about keeping to our processes and what we intend to do week in and week out, and that doesn’t change.
“I think if we just stay humble, it will pay off and with our community behind us, we feel 10 feet taller.”
Rumbalara, of course, took the chocolates in both regular-season meetings with the Magpies, prevailing 49-41 in round two and then strolling away to win 56-39 on the penultimate weekend.
A 55-44 triumph in the major semi-final on home asphalt two weeks ago completed the hat-trick — but historically, even a premiership year wouldn’t be remembered as a perfect year due to a clerical fault that saw Tongala awarded the round 18 fixture in retrospect.
While the subject of losing a would-be perfect season on administrative grounds was obviously mentioned internally, Bamblett is adamant the approach going into Saturday would be the same either way.
“We discussed it, but it was just a technicality and that’s what it comes down to,” Bamblett said.
“We’re still undefeated, and that’s what matters to us and our group.
“Nothing has changed, and our main focus has always been getting to the grand final and hopefully lifting that cup up, so everything is the same within our team.”
It’s been a banner 2024 for Bamblett thus far, not only in charge of her dominant A-grade side but receiving the chance to help coach an inaugural Victorian First Nations side at a national gathering last weekend — coinciding perfectly with Rumbalara’s week off.
Safe to say, however, there have been significant challenges along the way.
“My personal journey has seen some growth this year, but also some lows with my mum passing away during the season,” Bamblett said.
“Coaching such a really great team with all the support around it really helps.”