Geelong Advertiser |
A STRONG defensive performance will be critical to help the GFL's under-17 side claim a "three-peat" of association championships.
Coach Sascha Veldhuis is confident her side can win another title, but stopping the opposition's flow of goals is vital in the shortened form of the game.
"There are only two eight-minute halves, so you don't have a lot of time," Veldhuis said.
"You have to make sure that you have a good start. It comes down to defence and being able to stop the opposition scoring quickly."
Veldhuis said she had built her team on damaging the opposition on the turnover.
"Those turnovers are like gold. You have to work hard," she said.
"As many balls as we can get turned over from them will be crucial because it's the turnovers that get you.
"You have to make the most of the chances. We have worked with our goal attack end to be patient to protect the ball."
The competition starts in round-robin format before the top two sides from the two pools move into the finals.
The under-17 GFL side has four players from last year's championship winning squad and Veldhuis said their experience would be critical.
"It puts us in a good position," she said.
"We have a flexible team this year. We are able to make some positional changes.
"I don't think they feel the pressure at all. They go in and show a lot of character.
"They are very proud and they work together and are a very unified team.
"They are used to playing in competitive environments. Over the years the girls have represented the region through the age groups."
Veldhuis said she expected all the Melbourne teams would be hard to beat, with Frankston's under-17 side boasting a tall attacking end.
"I believe they have a six foot four (193cm) girl playing for them," she said.
"She isn't very mobile, but girls at that height are very hard to stop."
The GFL has under-13, under-15 and its senior side qualified for the championship's final round, while the BFL has its senior side in the competition.
The Geelong Central Netball Association is also represented by its under-15 side.
