North Wagga coach Carly Tracey says a sudden-death path through the Farrer League finals will be a new experience as the Saints set out in search of a fifth straight grand final appearance.
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They scraped into finals with a 33-19 win against Marrar in the final round and take on the Northern Jets in Sunday’s elimination final.
“That will be different, I don’t think the girls have had any Sunday netball in the last few years,” Tracey said.
“Definitely, we’re confident we can get to another grand final but we’re just taking each game as it comes.”
The Saints beat the Jets in round 14 but lost earlier in the year amid a five-game losing streak that almost cost them finals.
Tracey said it took a while to click after changes in the off-season, including the departure of shooter Jordan Barrett. But Holly Judd has settled in while two-time league medallist, Ruby Porter, leads a strong defence and Tessa Hamblin plays an all-important role in the mid-court.
“She’s had some really good games for us and can really dominate,” Tracey said.
Claudia Barton is one of the Jets’ dangers but Tracey said North Wagga want to keep their attention on their own game.
Barrett’s Temora take on defending premiers The Rock-Yerong Creek in Saturday’s qualifying final, with minor premiers Charles Sturt University enjoying the week off after dropping only one game all season.
“We’ve been pretty close to CSU in our two games against them (losing 41-43 and 34-39),” Tracey said.
“It’s a really close competition this year. I think any of the top five teams could be among the final two there on grand final day.”
