CAMPERDOWN'S Tracey Baker realises that Hampden league followers have appreciated a change at the top. The veteran was a member of the last Magpies' grand final side, which was in 1992. She came up against Mortlake, a team which included prominent North Warrnambool Eagles coach Dot Jenkins. "Dot came up to me the other day and gave me a cuddle and wished me good luck," she said. "I think there's a lot of people out there who are happy to see someone different in the grand final. I also think it's healthy for the league." It's safe to assume that those from outsider clubs which didn't make tomorrow's grand final will be quietly hoping that the Magpies are able to breakthrough for their first premiership in the top grade. They were also probably quietly pleased that Warrnambool and Koroit faced off in last week's preliminary final. To the credit of the Blues and Saints, they have collected every flag in the last decade. While Warrnambool has claimed six of the last 10 premierships, the Saints have triumphed in four, their last being in 2007. The respect the two powerhouses have gained is evident. "Even though we've been on top all year, we still felt like we were the underdogs against Warrnambool and Koroit," Baker said.
MEMBERS of the preliminary final crowd have voiced their frustrations via The Standard on being forced to watch last Saturday's contests at Victoria Park through the wire fence due to both courts operating at once. But when the A2 match finished and opened up one of the courts, spectators piled in for the senior showdown. Koroit coach Kate Dobson described the crowd as the biggest she had seen for a preliminary final.
PORT Fairy young gun Sarah Moroney was forced to make a quick getaway to attend the Maskell medal presentation last Sunday. The defender - who picked up this year's league 15 and under best and fairest - was judged Hampden league's 2010 rising star. She was unable to collect her trophy on stage because she was at netball training in Hamilton. The teenager stayed for most of the Western Zone academy training before skipping the swimming session to make her way to City Memorial Bowls Club in Warrnambool. She said the trainings usually went for a lengthy seven hours. She is hoping to use what she learned from the session tomorrow, when the Seagulls are hoping to clip the wings of favourite North Warrnambool Eagles in the 15 and under grand final.
SOUTH Warrnambool coach Leah Kermeen paid tribute to Moroney after the Rooster claimed the league's MVP, which is voted on by opposition coaches. Kermeen attracted 32 votes, three more than Moroney. "She's such a young talent and she's a very deserved runner-up," she said. "I think it's nice that this award gives players like her from lower-ranked sides the chance to be recognised." The goaler described her season as consistent but thought she might not pick up the MVP award after missing the final round due to an ankle injury and describing her match against Warrnambool in round 17 as "very ordinary". But the Blues obviously didn't agree, handing her a vote which - although she didn't know it as votes were kept confidential in the latter part of the season - sealed the victory.
SARA Byrne's decision three years ago to take charge of Hampden league matches has clearly paid off as she collected the umpire of the year award. "I'm pretty honoured," she said. "I came from Western Border after I retired. I wanted to get back into it and I wanted to umpire a better standard of netball." She believed Hampden has offered just that. The respected official also appreciates the league's umpiring pool system. "I love the set-up," she said. "You're umpiring with really good umpires every week."
ONE of those top umpires is Qalo Sukabula, who impressively gained the elite AA badge last weekend. While best and fairest counts often leave people baffled, the leading umpire offered an insight into what he takes into consideration when filling out the 3-2-1 card. Sukabula said he looked for a team player who gives their side an "extra advantage". He said the player usually made a difference to the "process" of the game. But he said there was a key characteristic that always caught the eye of umpires. "They have to be nice to opposition players," he said. "There's something about players who respect the spirit of the game." Sukabula and Byrne will officiate tomorrow's senior grand final.
SOUTH Rovers' A grade club best and fairest was claimed by goaler Rhiannon Davis while Hannah Nicolson was the A reserve winner and Elisa Monk the B grade. Timboon Demons has also held its presentation, with Jaymie Finch taking out the A grade best and fairest - an exceptional achievement seeing as the teenager is still eligible for juniors.
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