MORE layers could be added to what is already an historic achievement for Port Fairy’s netballers.
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For the first time in the club’s history, three teams have made their way into Hampden league grand finals.
The division two, division three and 15 and under teams have booked their places in the season decider after wins on second semi-final day last Saturday at Portland.
A further two Port Fairy teams will get their crack at a grand final berth when they contest preliminary finals at the Friendly Societies Park this Saturday.
The division one and open grade teams both won first semi-finals at Mortlake last Sunday to advance to the preliminary final.
Open grade star Nicole Dwyer said having so many teams going deep into the finals highlighted the club’s depth.
“We have kept the core group of girls together at the club for a few years now,” Dwyer said.
“There hasn’t been a lot of players leave, our retention rate is really good. I think success helps that.
“The division two team started winning some premierships a few years back and then the open team and the 15 and unders, everyone likes to be a part of success.
“We try to look after what we have at the club.”
Dwyer also highlighted the strong family connections within the club’s netballing ranks.
“We have a lot of sisters playing together and also mothers and daughters who are either playing or coaching,” she said.
“That certainly adds a nice feel to the club.”
Some of the family connections include Antonia and Tilly Balmer (mother/daughter), Brooke and Maddie Greene (mother/daughter), Amy, Sarah, Naomi Harman (sisters), Ash, Leah Evans (sisters), Josie, Katherine Barker (sisters), Sarah, Gab Hearn (sisters), Nicola, Erin, Fiona Giblin (daughters/mother), Zahli Jorja Adams (sisters), Jess, Chelsea, Eloise Swarbrick (sisters), Carley Thomas, Kristen Sheehan (sisters).
The open team will take its best form into its preliminary final clash with Cobden.
After a round 16 thumping at the hands of Koroit, the Seagulls have bounced back, winning their last four games.
Dwyer starred in the midcourt in the 42-34 first semi-final win over North Warrnambool Eagles while Narelle Marsden with 24 goals and Emily Forrest with 18 provided dangerous targets in attack.
