A Grade (2.30pm) Kyabram Vs Shepp Swans
What an epic battle is expected in this years A grade GVNL grand final when the highly fancied Shepparton Swans aim to take out their first premiership since 1992. However Kyabram, who will go into the game as slight favourites after their thrilling one goal victory 3 weeks ago will be desperate to inflict another Grand Final loss on the Swans and take out their first premiership since 2008. The match-ups throughout the court are intriguing however the dominance of goalers Gemma Toy and Liz Cobbledick over the finals campaign is sure to cause a headache for the bombers. Creating pressure through the midcourt and converting every opportunity will be a must if Kyabram are any chance of taking this match. On the whole, the Swans dominance at both ends of the court has been its strength throughout the season and its accurate conversion a real plus. Kyabram however have hit top form at the right end of the season and will be hard to beat.

 

(Possible Line Up)

Kyabram SHEPP SWANS

GK     Lauryn Pryde                           GS     Liz Cobbledick

GD     Ash Mangan                             GA     Gemma Toy

WD    Shani Clark                             WA    Abby Pettifer

C       Steph O'Nial                                    C       Kate Toy

WA    Abby Breen                              WD    Renee Stephens

GA     Belinda Muir                            GD     Bek Dudgeon

GS     Elle Groves                             GK     Laura Moon

 

SUBS - Shelley Wilson (WA)              Sharna Saunders (WD)

Sara Pettifer (WA)

 

(Key Match Ups)

• Gemma Toy V Ash Mangan - Definitely the dual of the match. Both are extremely athletic, have excellent rebounding skills and are a delight to watch.
• Liz Cobbledick V Lauryn Pride - Two very talented players with wonderful aerial skills. Cobbledick's dominance in the circle a bonus for the Swans.
• Steph O'Nial V Kate Toy - Great play makers with solid driving and attacking skills. Their feeding into the goal circle a real highlight. 

 

(The "X" Factor)

• Abby Breen (Kyabram) - Abby has had a wonderful season which was capped off by her Best and Fairest Award in the VNL.  Abby's strong athletic and attacking play are a highlight and crucial to the success of the Bomber's attack. Her feeding into goalers Belinda Muir and Elle Groves is exciting.
• Gemma Toy (Swans)- A premiership would certainly cap off what has been a wonderful year for the star Swan goaler who was an integral member of the GVNL interleague team for 2011. Touted as one of the most dominant and accurate goalers in the league, who's all round ability and defensive skills a highlight of her game. Expect great things from this star of the competition.

(The Medical Room)

• Kyabram - The Bomber's are at full strength and injury free for the big one today.
• Swans - The Swans go into the game with a full list - star defender/midcourter Sharna Saunders returned to the court last week after injury had sidelined her for the first 2  weeks of finals - having court time under her belt is invaluable to coach Colleen Toy and  she is ready and rearing to go.

 

B Grade (12.15pm) Shepp United Vs Shepp Swans

(Possible Line Up)

 

SHEPP UNITED SHEPP SWANS

GK     Amanda McCulloch                                      GS     Meg Kelly

GD     Bek Dunkley                                              GA     Cassia Saunders

WD    Kara Blizzard                                            WA    Shinea Meka

C       Alicia Stovell                                            C       Jana Bruinier

WA    Chrissi Reynolds                                         WD    Liz Toohey

GA     Talia Palmer                                              GD     Kate Murphy

GS     Kristen Atkinson                                        GK     Katrina Wood

 

SUBS -       Laura Emanuelli                                Courtney Simpson

Emma Gunn                                       Bianca Willis

Natalie Ralph                                   Teagan Goudie

(General Preview)

Three Goals separated these sides when they met 2 weeks ago but it has been the Swans who have had the upper hand all season. Laura Emanuelli has been a huge asset to an already talented United line up - her A grade experience, particularly in tense Grand Finals, is sure to be an advantage for the dee's. Cassia Saunders has had a fantastic season for the Swans and certainly changed the game in the Swans favour 2 weeks ago. Alicia Stovell continues to be the general in the midcourt for the dee's and her steadiness and controlled passing into attack is a highlight. Jana Bruinier has returned from overseas and has given the midcourt of the Swans great drive and experience. This game can go either way and when these sides met in the GF in 2009, just one goal separated them at full time. Expect nothing less today.

 

(Key Match-Ups)

• Bek Dunkley (United) V Cassia Saunders (Swans) - This dual is certainly one to watch - Cassia has great experience and accuracy in the circle. Bek has a never say die attitude and always gives 110% every game. She often gets hands to balls that seem beyond her reach.
• Chrissi Reynolds (United) Vs Liz Toohey (Swans) -Chrissi has had a fantastic season  in the midcourt and with her excellent defensive skills creates numerous turnovers . Liz also displays great defensive skills and works tirelessly for the Swans through the midcourt. A great dual expected

(The "X" Factor)

• Talia Palmer (United) - Talia's season has been injury plagued however her role in GA will be crucial in whether the dee's are going to take out the premiership. Talia's accuracy and exceptional ball skills and movement in the circle a real highlight.
• Cassia Saunders (Swans ) - the tall defender and now goaler has had a wonderful season and figured prominently (equal runner's up ) in the League B and F . Cassia's ability to play at both ends of the court gives coach Courtney Simpson the advantage she needs, to pull off another premiership for the Shepp Swans.

 

B Res (10.45am) Shepp United Vs Echuca

(Possible Line Up)

SHEPP UNITED SHEPP SWANS

GK     Porsha Atkinson                                         GS     Ashlee Barbetti

GD     Sharee Gibson                                            GA     Naomi Amos

WD    Erin  Logan                                               WA    Maddi McKinnon

C       Carly Judd                                                C       Briana Sartori

WA    Emily DiBella                                            WD    Lauren Baldi

GA     Jenna Burden                                             GD     Georgia Whitlock

GS     Sam Kipping                                               GK     Simone Bruton

 

SUBS          Miranda Borlini                                 Liz Jones

Bek Monk                                         Nicole Adem

(General Preview)

Both these sides were bitterly disappointed with their performances throughout the 2010 finals series and after finishing one/two last year find themselves in 2011 playing for the premiership they thought may have been theirs last season. United has been the form side of the competition and their 12 goal victory 2 weeks ago gives them clear favoritism. However the Swans have nothing to lose and their form last Sunday against Kyabram was certainly impressive. It will come down to the team that shows the desire and determination over four quarters of netball.

 

(Key Match-Ups)

• Carly Judd (United) V Briana Sartori (Swans)-What a fascinating battle this looks set to be. Both give great drive through the midcourt and their feeding into the circle and excellent defensive skills a real highlight
• Sharee Gibson (United) V Naomi Amos (Swans) - This is one dual to keep your eye on. Sharee has been solid in defence for United throughout the finals campaign and gives great on-court leadership. Naomi, the Swans most accurate goaler provides great movement and is dynamic in the circle. An absorbing battle is ensured.

(The "X" Factor)

• Sharee Gibson (United) - Has had a sensational year. What Sharee lacks in height she makes up for with her tenacity and determination at the ball. Takes wonderful intercepts when you think she is out of the contest.

• Simone Bruton (Swans) - Plays really tight defence and gives great leadership in the defensive end. Gives coach Nat Simpson also another option in goals should she be called upon.
  

17/U (9.15am) Shepp Bears Vs Shepp United

(Possible Line Up)

SHEPP BEARS Shepp United

GK     Meagan Durling                                 GS     Jess Kipping

GD     Mia Fallon                                        GA     Ash Rae

WD    Emma German                                    WA    Monique Eddy

C       Erin McLeod                                     C       Monique Pedretti

WA    Taylah Shanahan                                WD    Tayla Beks

GA     Hannah Austin                                  GD     Megan Trevaskis

GS     Lilly Caia                                         GK     Ash Lancaster

 

SUBS Aimee Kreskas                                 Grace Pedretti

Alex Phillips                                     Hayley Fairless

Georgia Evans

 

(General Preview)
This match is sure to set the tone for what will be a fantastic day's play of netball with again first and second at the end of round 18 taking their place in the 17/U Grand Final. Both sides are filled with exceptionally talented players. The United side finished on top of the ladder at the end of round 18, however, the only side to inflict a loss on the demons was the bears. They again defeated United in the Qualifying Final and now go into this game as favourites. The Dee's however showed a never say die attitude last week in perfect conditions and were extremely impressive in their 19 goal win over the Swans. The Bears have looked so dangerous in their two finals appearances and have come together beautifully at the right time of the season. These sides go hard at the ball and the standard of this game is sure to impress.

(Key Match-Ups)

• Hannah Austin (Bears) Vs Meagan Trevaskis (United) - Hannah's strong attacking play and amazing accuracy in goals has been a highlight for the Bears. Megan's attack on the ball and rebounding ability is an integral part of the United line up.
• Erin McLeod (Bears) Vs Monique Pedretti (United) - Erin is a dynamic centre player with a fantastic drive into attack and excellent ball skills. Monique likewise gives wonderful drive into attack and provides great leadership in the midcourt.

(The "X" Factor)

• Mia Fallon (Bears) -Mia is one of the best young defenders going around in the GVNL and League B and F result at just 15 years of age has truly shown what a wonderful year Mia has had. Her tight defensive play and outstanding rebounding ability is such a bonus for the already strong Bears side.
• Ash Rae (United) Ash's accuracy in goals throughout the season has been a real highlight for the Dee's, as to her outstanding rebounding ability - Expect a titanic dual between Fallon and Rae.

By Jaqui Hudgson

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