The stage is set for an epic grand final this Saturday with Moama set to face off against Tongala for the Murray Netball League’s 17 & under premiership.
Tongala earned the minor premiership after an undefeated 2022 season, but the Magpies, who themselves finished fourth on the ladder, will be looking to cause an upset on the big stage.
The Blues have been the standout side of the division in over the past two years, claiming back-to-back minor premierships and not losing a game since 2019.
But history could be on Moama’s side. The Magpies claimed a 31-27 win in the 2019 preliminary final — the last time the Blues tasted defeat.
Recent form favours Tongala — the two sides have met two times this season, and both games have gone the way of the Blues.
Tonny earned a 48-37 win in round six before cruising to a 51-28 victory in round 15.
But Moama has shown it is capable of getting the job done when it matters most with an elimination win over a Numurkah side they hadn’t beaten in the home-and-away season either.
Magpies coach Olivia Taverna said her side was ready for the big game against the Blues.
“Everyone is fit and healthy, we have a good chance heading into Saturday,” Taverna said.
“We have taken the approach to just enjoy the week and take it all in.
“Three of our players are top-age girls and this is their last year of juniors, and I’ve told them not to put too much pressure on the game and look at it as something to enjoy.”
The Magpies will have plenty of support in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd full of Moama fans, something Taverna said would be a great experience for her side.
“I think the players are more excited than anything. I don’t think they are looking at it as something to be nervous about, I think they are more excited that grandparents, cousins and friends will be able to come and watch.”
The undefeated Blues will head into the clash as favourites, but Taverna said she had no problem with her side being seen as the underdogs.
“Tongala have all the pressure on them, we are well and truly the underdogs.
“I love it, I feel like we can relax and give it our all because we have nothing to lose, it is really Tonny who will be feeling all the pressure.”
Regardless of the result on Saturday, Taverna, who plays A-grade netball for Moama and is in her first season as coach, said she was impressed by how her side had developed over the course of the season.
“I think we have improved so much. We had some players who were great at the start and they have gotten better, and all of the players have turned into fantastic netballers and they all play their role so well,” Taverna said.
“I have seen a dramatic improvement from all the girls, it has been awesome.”
The team
Eden Drennan
Sienna Agg
Georgia Norman
Delaney Laffy
Ashling Height
Mia Healey
Abbey Larkin
Halle Power
Sahla Dunston
Coby Morgan
Coach: Olivia Taverna
Team manager: Rohan Starkey