The Kangaroos burst out of the blocks in their first final for over 15 years before the experience in the Warriors side began to settle and were able to run away to a 50-31 victory. 

Forth said it was good for her side to get a testing hit-out ahead of next week’s final against Timboon.

“Just getting that feel for finals, because it’s a little more intense, with a big crowd and people putting their bodies on the line, it gives us a bit more experience as a group,” she said. “I think this is the third time we have played with this line-up and the more time we have it will make us settle.”

Russells Creek coach Thalia Robertson had mixed emotions after her side’s defeat on Sunday.

“It’s disappointing but we are proud that we have made it this far and we actually got to play in a final,” she said.

“We just had patches, especially in our second quarter, where our decision making and our passes let us down.

“Overall we played good netball but when we had our patches Old Collegians picked up and got a few goals from that.”

Maggie Kline (30 goals) and Rebecca Kavanagh (20) were a formidable pair in the Warriors’ shooting circle, while Rachel Alderson was one of the best players.

Robertson commended the efforts of young wing defence Amy Morton, who played a pivotal role limiting the impact Forth had in wing attack.

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