‘This is where we deserve to be’: Bulldogs’ grand final berth reflects off-court culture

Minor premiers, the Bulldogs have a chance to secure the Picola District Netball League premiership against Tungamah on Saturday.

One player that is sure to play a key role in the big dance is Strathmerton’s goal shooter Emily Buzza, with the talented goaler explaining the key to the side’s success.

“It’s been a good year, our team has been successful off the court and that’s shown on the court,” Buzza said.

“We’re just about having a bit of fun, having a bit of an outlet and just getting around each other.

“I think the way that we play and the excitement we have is purely because we genuinely like playing with each other and I think that’s going to continue on in the grand final, which will be awesome.”

Growing up at Strathmerton before moving away, Buzza returned to the club last year and said the community had a long history of good sportspeople.

“There’s good people around the club and good people helping to volunteer and do all sorts of things, so I think it’s definitely the off-court stuff that shines through and makes us very successful on the court,” she said.

“It’s been a great year and it’s been good to finally get around and play finals, because we had a very successful year last year.

“Now that we’re finally there I feel like this is where we deserve to be and whatever happens happens.

“The success is off the court, so whatever happens isn’t really going to bother us too much, but it would be great to get a win of course.”

Buzza will look to combine well with fellow goaler Amy Carter, with the duo feeding off each other.

Along with the attacking duo’s partnership, the goal shooter has plenty of connections on the court, with younger sister Jemmah Ryan and sister-in-law Olivia Osborne in the team.

“It’s a nice little family affair and it’s been good to get back and play with friends and family,” she said.