Ocean Grove takes on Torquay in the A Grade preliminary final this weekend after a solid semi-final victory against Drysdale.
The Grubbers won 64 to 48 in a dominant display to set up an intriguing battle with Torquay, a side they have not beaten this season.
Coach Nikki Cooke said while the win against the Hawks was pleasing, the Tigers will be a different proposition.
“They have a lot of depth and ability to change things up,” she said.
“We will need to be flexible. We will be going back to focussing on our brand and style of netball and what we do well.”
Ocean Grove won the game without star defender Kelsey Ollis, who was unavailable.
Instead Jess Rankine, who was sick during the week, climbed out of bed and put in a magnificent display in Oliis’ place.
“She (Rankin) was amazing,” Cooke said.
“She got out of bed and delivered a miraculous game. It allowed us to try some new combinations.”
Youngster Anna Smith came on at half time and immediately went to work in the centre. She then went to wing defence and played well, cementing her spot in the side.
Goalers Rebecca O’Neill and Ashton O’Brien were again prolific.
“It’s the first year they have played together and they are forming a great combination,” Cooke said.
“Even though they have both been playing netball for a long time, they are keen to continue to learn.”
Cooke said the prospect of having to beat the top two sides – Torquay and Geelong Amateur – to win a premiership was daunting, but necessary.
“We always knew that if we wanted to get into a grand final or win a premiership we would have to beat Torquay and Ammos,” she said.
“Torquay will come out with a point to prove.
“But our girls have nothing to lose. There’s a lot of support for the girls and the club.”
