HAMPDEN league coaches give their thoughts on the open grade netball grand final between Koroit and Cobden.
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Most are tipping a tight encounter at Reid Oval on Saturday. While Koroit goes in as favourites, there is plenty of goodwill towards Cobden as it strives to win its first ever open grade premiership.
SHARON KENNA (CAMPERDOWN)
“Koroit's overall depth across the court and the fact it has two powerhouses in the goal ring makes it hard to beat. Koroit has been very impressive in the second half of the season.
“If Cobden is to win, it needs to shut Koroit down in the midcourt.
“They have to find a way to negate Jacqui Bowman, Emily-Rose Finnigan and Carly Pulling. They also need to shoot well and put scoreboard pressure on.”
MEL STARR (HAMILTON KANGAROOS)
“It will be an absolute cracker of the game. If Cobden’s goalies can step up and get a score on the board then they are a chance.
“Nadine McNamara is an amazing goal keeper so her job on Nell Mitchell will be really important. Koroit had a lot of players out early in the season but they are in great form now with a full team and will be hard to beat.”
DOT JENKINS (NORTH WARRNAMBOOL EAGLES)
“I hope Cobden win given they have never won one before. While my heart is saying Cobden, my head tells me Koroit. You can’t help but admire the style of netball they play, they just don’t give the ball away, it is very hard to get it back off them.
“Cobden would have learnt a lot from the second semi-final so I’m sure they will have some plans.”
SARAH MCCORKELL (PORT FAIRY)
“I think Koroit. They just have too much experience all over the court. They have great bookends with Nell Mitchell at one end and Jess O'Connor at the other, that makes them pretty hard to stop. Cobden is a good side, versatility is their biggest asset. Jaymie Finch shot beautifully on the weekend and she will be really important for them.”
LAUREN HOCKLEY (PORTLAND)
“Koroit for mine. They have their full team back and they are really settled. Sophie Barr will have to play and be fully fit for Cobden to have a chance.
“She is Cobden’s dominant player in the midcourt and she will be a telling factor either way.”
MANDY VAN ROOY (SOUTH WARRNAMBOOL)
“It’s hard to go past Koroit. They have great depth and so much experience when it comes to winning grand finals.
“They have had a really strong last five or six weeks, they have really hit their straps. Cobden aren’t without a chance, when they click they are very hard to stop. They will need Sophie Barr to be fit.”
LISA ARUNDELL (TERANG MORTLAKE)
“It's going to be a really close match, if I could say a draw I would, but of course someone has to win. I think the experience of Koroit may give it the edge.
“But having said that, Cobden is a physically and mentally tough outfit so maybe it will be a changing of the guard. They will need Sophie Barr to be fit and right to go.”
AMY WORMALD, CAPTAIN (WARRNAMBOOL)
“Cobden has had a great season but I think Koroit will win. They have so much experience, especially in finals, which will hold them in good stead. Nell Mitchell is the hardest shooter in the league to play on so Cobden will have to stop her supply.”