THE Mininera and District Netball Association finals get underway this weekend with a local derby today highlighting the first week of finals.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Glenthompson-Dunkeld

THE Eagles and Rams will face-off in an A grade elimination final at Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve today, with the loser dropping out of the premiership race.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur dismantled the Rams earlier in the season with a 50-25 victory, but Eagles coach, Josie Barker, is expecting a much tougher contest tomorrow.

“100 per cent finals are a different ball game, so we are not going into it expecting the same result,” she said.

“Nikki Lowe’s defensive pressure is outstanding, and Jane Robertson has a beautiful eye, so if we can shut them down, we will be in a good position.

“We just have to play our brand of netball, keep it simple and go back to the basics and if we can do that, we should be in the game.”

Olivia Twaddle is in stunning form and has carried the scoring load for Hawkesdale-Macarthur, but Barker knows it will need to be a shared responsibility if the team is to advance to the semi-finals.

“All year I have said we need to get closer to the goalposts, so the more we work around and keep possession, that is our idea of the game,” she said.

“We back in our other shooting options, Laura Sheehan and Indi Ryan and Eliza Cozens, who might get a little bit of a go in finals.

“We back those three to support Olivia.”

The team will go in with a full-strength squad, with Barker balancing the occasion with keeping emotions in check for the players.

“I definitely think it is good to have nerves around finals, but we don’t want to get too overcome with nerves that it throws our game plan out the window,” she said.

“I hope they embrace the day, embrace what you’ve achieved.

“It is exciting for the club, we have two netball and two football teams in finals.

“I feel like it should drag most of the club along, it is just a shame that the A graders have to play at 3pm, so we will miss out on watching the footballers.”

The Rams will need to be at their best, with the fifth-placed side finishing three wins behind Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Glenthompson-Dunkeld will go into the sudden death clash with a full squad to choose from and coach, Laura Matthews, learnt plenty from the clash against Hawkesdale-Macarthur earlier in the season.

“We can learn that we definitely have to minimise our error when we are in possession, I don’t think it was a great representation of the netball we play on that day,” she said.

“We have to adapt really quickly with what is going around us, it was a horrid day and they adapted quicker to the conditions.

“We have also worked really hard on working the ball in nice and close, so that will be another focus for us going into the game.”

The first quarter often sets the tone of a final, and Matthews knows a good start is critical to the Rams’ hopes of progressing to a semi-final.

“It is really important to start well, we know probably our strength has been our defence, and trying to make the most of our opportunities from our strong defensive pressure,” she said.

“Catch-up netball is not a style we play well.”

Jane Robertson has scored 400 goals for the season at 70 per cent and will again be the focal points in the Rams’ goal circle.

Matthews said Robertson will lead from the front and will be supported by her teammates along the way.

“She is one of our leaders, she is our vice-captain, and down in attack she is that really strong player we need, so she will be able to handle the pressure,” she said.

“Elise Bibby and Chloe Frost can support her and draw attention from the defenders as well.

“Nikki Lowe continuously sets the tone for the team and is a tireless worker, she is supported by Clare McKay, and we can rotate through our midcourt with specific match-ups.

“Jenna Loats, Ally Dixon and Jess McLeod can move around, so there is lots to work with and it is just what the girls can present on the day.

“We have nothing to lose, any team is beatable.

“The girls are looking forward to it and have worked hard through the season, so from here, anything is possible.”

Tatyoon and Lismore-Derrinallum will face-off in the B grade elimination final, while the Hawks and Woorndoo-Mortlake will be on the court in C grade action.

Lismore-Derrinallum and Ararat Eagles will be out to keep their seasons alive in the 18-and-Under elimination final, Penshurst and Great Western will fight out the 15-and-Under clash, and the Demons and Rams will contest the 13-and-Under knockout game.

Qualifying finals

TODAY is qualifying final day at Caramut Recreation Reserve, with the Swans well represented on their home court with three sides in action.

This afternoon is highlighted by the A grade clash between Tatyoon and Woorndoo-Mortlake, with the Hawks favourites to win and face Ararat Eagles in next week’s second semi-final.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Woorndoo-Mortlake will face-off in the B grade clash, while Ararat Eagles and Caramut will take to the court in C grade action.

Caramut and Penshurst will face-off in the 18-and-Under clash, while the 15-and-Under qualifying final will be between Glenthompson-Dunkeld and Tatyoon, while Caramut and Tatyoon will clash in the 13-and-Under match-up.