The Standard | RHIANNA Healey looks back with a sense of amazement at how last year’s Warrnambool and District league grand final day unfolded.
The Panmure netballer arrived at Reid Oval anticipating an afternoon of yelling support from the sidelines.
The Bulldogs’ A grade and A reserve sides were chasing premierships, against Old Collegians and Merrivale respectively.
Healey, 25, had spent the season in B grade. She was on the team list for both grand finals as injury back-up.
The first decider passed without drama. The Bulldogs cruised to the A reserve flag. She was an unused substitute — and just as well.
A grade midcourter Natalie Meade suffered a knee injury eight minutes into the next match. Coach Megan Titmus turned to Healey to fill in at wing defence.
What happened thereafter has gone down in club folklore.
The Bulldogs trailed by eight goals in the third term but prevailed 41-40, exacting revenge from 2013 when the Warriors won by the same margin.
“It was incredible, overwhelming more than anything, just to be chucked on like that with no preparation whatsoever and step into Natalie Meade’s position and live up to her performances,” Healey said. “I hadn’t done up my ankle boots properly. I didn’t think I’d get on.”
Epitomising her surprise at hitting the court, Healey said she had done no homework on her opponents.
“I found out after the game we were their only loss … and in the grand final. That was insane,” she said.
Fast forward to this season and Healey is far from a bit-part player. She has entrenched herself in the A grade line-up under new coach Mandy Van Rooy.
“It’s been a massive step-up. I’m really enjoying it playing under Mandy and with who I’m playing with. It’s really rewarding,” she said.
Rising a grade was a pre-season ambition. But she would have been content staying put. “I always aim higher but if I don’t get that, that’s fine,” she said.
“You play your best netball wherever you’re put. If I get up, I get up. If not, I embrace where I am and keep trying.”
Healey believed the Bulldogs had the potential to again play finals this season, despite a much-changed line-up.
Other new faces include Kirsty Williams, Kelly Jones and Margie Kenna, who have earned promotions from A reserve.
Van Rooy has returned after a year off, while Shannon Rea and Liz Schrama have made comebacks.
“If you’re going to say ‘no (we can’t make finals)’ you’re cancelling yourself out. You aim high and if you go higher, why not,” Healey said.
Panmure meets Russells Creek at Panmure today in what shapes as a must-win encounter for both sides.
The Bulldogs are ninth with 12 points, one win behind fifth-ranked Allansford. The Kangaroos split the pair in seventh with 14 points.
Elsewhere, Merrivale and Allansford clash in the match of the round at Merrivale.
South Rovers hosts Nirranda, while East Warrnambool meets Kolora-Noorat at Reid Oval.
Timboon Demons can enhance their flag credentials by upsetting Dennington at Dennington. Deakin University takes on Old Collegians at the Pond.
