Shepparton Swans are out to end Echuca’s dreams of a four-peat in the Goulburn Valley League under-18s and put the icing on the cake at the same time, according to coach Greg Bicknell.
The Swans’ challenges over the past 12 months have been long-documented, following the devastating floods that impacted the Goulburn Valley.
Yet the Princess Park outfit has a chance to deliver some smiles to the faces of its supporters with the thirds and B-reserve netball sides competing in this weekend’s grand finals.
“This is massive for the club to have two sides in, especially with where we are this year, it will be huge,” Bicknell said.
“Our junior program has been fantastic for many years and this would just be the icing on the cake.”
The week got off to a memorable start for Bicknell and his group after captain Mason Reeves claimed the Pattison Medal at Monday’s league best-and-fairest count.
Reeves was a member of last year’s under-18s grand final outfit who suffered heartache against the Murray Bombers.
“The feeling is really good, the boys are pumped and it’s definitely an opportunity we don’t want to let slip,” the Swans young gun said.
“I was part of that thirds side that lost to Echuca last year. That was my first grand final and it hurt. It’s something I don’t want to experience again. It will be good to get one back.”
The Swans will lean on the likes of classy on-baller Reeves and Murray Bushranger Joeve Cooper to win the ball at the coalface.
Bicknell pointed to his crop of talented defenders Alex Buzzo, Kade Dwyer and Mitch Grumley that would influence the game.
Bicknell, the premiership coach of last year’s under-16s side, highlighted the key messages he had passed on to his teenage stars.
“It’s pretty exciting. I’ve had the privilege of gracing grand final week a fair bit in my career and I’m just trying to pass on my experience to these guys and try make it a really exciting week for them,” he said.
“Mason winning the league medal last night was the perfect way to start the week and hopefully we can add him another medal on Sunday.
“They are a very good structured side and they press really well into their forward line and hold that press really well.
“They get behind the ball a lot and then spread and carry and we’re just going to have to be on our game.
“It will be an individual game this week and each player has to beat their opponent and that’s how we’re going to win.
“The message is team first. Play as a team and play for your mate, play for your jumper, play for the club that’s done so much work to get us to where we are.”