But star shooter Katie Burt, who coached the Dogs to their 2016 Warrnambool and District flag, says their greatest strength lies not in how they play for the team, but why they do.

“For our team, it’s how we look after each other inside and outside of netball (that holds us in good stead),” she said. “No matter what’s happening, inside playing netball or outside, we’ve got each other’s back.

“I feel that right across the board. I know that these girls would do absolutely anything for each other.

“I feel so humbled and proud to play alongside such a group of girls.”

Burt said the Dogs’ bonds extended beyond netball, and their close-knit nature has been a pillar in their success and rise to a powerhouse club.

Dennington is striving for its third flag in succession when it takes on Nirranda in Saturday’s grand final.