Colac Imperials captain Kate Higgins, left, and South Colac skipper Nadine McNamara met ahead of their netball teams’ third-straight A Grade grand final showdown at Colac’s Central Reserve tomorrow.
OPPOSITION coaches have tipped South Colac to end its Colac district netball premiership drought in tomorrow’s highly anticipated grand final against powerhouse Colac Imperials.
Seven Colac district mentors not competing in the big dance tipped South, while Birregurra’s Jenny Keast and Alvie’s Sara Morrissy predicted the Imps’ dominance to continue.
The Roos are yet to taste senior grand final success since joining the association full-time in 1986. The team played two seasons prior to that when the association was formed in 1972.
South has been the senior competition’s bridesmaid on 11 occasions, including the past two deciders.
They play cross town-rival Imps in tomorrow’s grand final for a third-straight season, with the Cats chasing their fourth flag in as many years.
Experienced Western Eagles mentor Jacinta Langdon said the Nicole Mitchell-coached outfit’s 2015 form and the Roos’ longing to get their hands on silverware could get them over the line at Central Reserve.
“They’re well overdue and I think they have a stronger team,” she said.
“They certainly have the desire and hopefully it’s a good game.”
The Imps and Roos have battled 10 times since the 2013 season, with the Cats winning the ledger 7-3.
Imperials dominated the first five meetings, before South Colac broke its drought against their counterparts in last year’s semi-final.
The reigning premier Cats have stood up when it counted on grand final day in 2013 and ’14, but the Roos have hit their straps after winning the past two encounters.
South’s outfit dominated Monday night’s association Team of the Year, with four of the line-up’s nine players hailing from the 2015 minor premiers.
Otway Districts coach Kellie Edwards and Forrest leader Michelle Stewart said the Roos’ depth across the court should give them the upper hand.
“South to win, they’re a strong team all over the court and they just keep improving,” Edwards said.
“They are just too strong all over the court,” Stewart added.
But the Imps’ reputation and ability to stand up on the big stage can’t be overlooked.
The Cats bounced back from their semi-final loss to the Roos to blitz Simpson by 37 goals in last weekend’s preliminary final.
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