HAMILTON Kangaroos coach Jarryd Anton contributed exposure to senior netball as a key factor in his 15 and under side's gritty grand final victory.
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The Kangaroos held sway for most of the encounter and survived a late challenge from North Warrnambool Eagles to secure a 34-32 win and this year's premiership at Reid Oval on Saturday.
"We talked about heading into this weekend that all the girls but one had never played in a grand final before," Anton said.
"So it was all new feelings for us and they have taken everything on board, all the pressures and a lot of them are playing senior netball at the minute so their development has been unreal.
"Their ability to take things on and just deal with it has been amazing."
Anton said the experiences at a higher level was what brought the best out of his side under the tense pressure of Hampden league grand final day.
"Especially of the pressure of being on and court and taking the physical knocks," he said.
"They deal with a lot more physicality in the senior grades so they could deal with it much easier in the 15 and under grades."
Goal shooter Hollie Phillips, who scored 32 of her side's 34 goals in a best on court performance, said a focused mindset helped her star on the grand final stage.
"I try not to get nervous when I am shooting because if let it in it gets to my head," the 15-year-old said.
"So I just try and breathe throw it and talk to everyone and then just try not to get nervous.
"Playing other big games I try not to get nervous and it works sometimes."
Phillips said the grand final victory was a perfect way to complete here graduation into the 17 and under division.
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