HORSHAM Demons head into the Wimmera Netball Association grand final on Saturday undefeated and eager to go one better than in 2015.
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The side will take on a Minyip-Murtoa side that has been sitting just behind it in second place for the whole season.
Demons coach Pauline Butler said her team had been preparing just as it would for any other game.
“We’re just trying to keep things normal and relaxed,” she said.
“We’re very excited as we’ve got a young side and for a few of them it will be their first A Grade grand final.”
Despite coming off a grand final appearance last year, Butler said there was a point prior to the season that the club was struggling to put an A Grade team together.
“To come from there to where we are is fantastic,” she said.
“The side has gelled together really well. Our goal was just to make the finals and now we’re here.”
The side is on the verge of a premiership and a near perfect season.
Horsham has not lost a game during 2016, with the only blemish on its record being a draw against Stawell in round 16.
During the season, the Burras were the closest team to defeating the Demons.
The players know their opponents are not to be taken lightly despite a comfortable win in the second semi-final.
“We know that Minyip-Murtoa will come out hard and hungry,” Butler said.
The Burras’ combination in attack is of particular note.
Kirby Knight comes into the game in red hot form having shot 44 goals in her side’s preliminary final win against Stawell.
“Knight can be quite dominating in the goal-shooter position,” Butler said.
“She combines well with Jessica Elder, they work well together. We need to win in every position though.”
Nerves are good in finals and they’re normally gone after a couple of minutes anyway.
- Pauline Butler
Minyip-Murtoa’s Stevie Bibby won the Hatcher Medal on Monday night and will be looking to shut down the Demons attacking moves.
“The seven players on the court all need to be on,” Butler said
“At the end of the day it’s a team game and you need to win it as a team.”
Butler expected her side would have a few nerves heading into the game.
“I think nerves are good in finals and they’re normally gone after a couple of minutes anyway,” she said.
“I’m confident in the ability of the girls to keep playing hard even if they are down.”
