Regardless of the result, Saturday’s A Grade preliminary final between Moyston-Willaura and Woorndoo-Mortlake will be a historic day for the Pumas.
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It will be the furthest the Pumas have progressed in the Mininera District Netball Association’s top tier, and they will get to compete in front of their home fans.
The contest against the Tigers is at Willaura on Saturday. Pumas A Grade coach Zanetta Hosking said it will be a special day in front of a home crowd.
“I am so proud of the girls to get this far, it is a major achievement for our club,” she said.
“We are hoping we can have as many people as possible to support us.
“The crowd does help you get over the line as we have seen the last few weeks. There is nothing quite like it, it is almost like you the opposition is fighting them as well as us on the court.”
The Pumas have had an amazing few weeks, recording two upset finals wins having scraped into the top five.
Hosking said while her side is still riding the momentum from recent wins, including a one-goal thriller against Penshurst last weekend, their focus is well and truly on Woorndoo-Mortlake.
“Everyone is still pretty excited from the win but we have to more forward now,” she said.
”They are a top side and there is a reason they have won the last few grand finals.
“Even though they have been dominant in recent years, no team is unbeatable. We are good enough to beat any team on any given day.”
Woorndoo-Mortlake has played off in the last three A Grade grand finals and has once again been one of the top teams in 2018. The Tigers have lost just two matches, both to Tatyoon.
Hosking said her side respects Woorndoo-Mortlake but is not intimidated.
“I think a key thing that has changed for us is our belief we can beat these top sides,” she said.
“There are a lot of nerves in finals but we have shown some great composure in tight games.”
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Stopping shooting duo Sarah and Jessica Cameron is high on the Pumas’ agenda if they are to be successful.
“We need to try and cut off their supply because they are very hard to stop once they get the ball to those girls,” Hosking said.
“Their defence is also amazing. We will need a whole team effort if we are to win.”
Chloe Dunmore should return from injury for the Pumas but the side will remain mostly unchanged for the preliminary final.
The winner of Saturday’s game will play Tatyoon in the A Grade grand final.
