CONTINUITY and consistency were the key drivers in South Warrnambool's almost flawless 17 and under season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One loss to Koroit, the team they eventually beat 35-34 to claim the premiership, in the second semi-final was the only slip up from Leesa Battistello and Gill Herrman's side.
But the Roosters had to work right up until the buzzer to ensure they were crowned premiers and champions with a late Saints' fightback leveling the score with just 10 seconds left.
READ MORE:
Herrman said the way the side worked as one allowed it to excel all season.
"Continuity and consistency of rotating our players and being strong all over the court and just working on the game," she said.
"They were great to start with and finished even better - it made it an easier job for us."
Goalie Meg Kelson, who secured her third premiership medallion with the club, was named best on court for her efforts in the shooting circle.
"I wasn't expecting it so I am really excited," she said.
"When you're older you learn to appreciate it (premiership victories) more and you just get a lot more exciting."
READ MORE:
Battistello, who will coach the Roosters open grade side next year, said we was proud of all of her troops.
"It would be hard to pick (a best player) honestly as we were just so even across the court," she said.
"There were some key match ups for us going into the game. Mali Baillie had a big job early on Isabella Baker, an open grade league runner-up, so she started amazingly well for us.
"But I think our defensive line in Emma Stacey in goal keeper and Inika Tobin-Salzman in wing defence in the first half really helped us to set it up by the way that they were so strong.
"Meg Sutherland, with 100 per cent shooting in the first half, was huge and the whole attacking end in Olivia (Marris) and Meg Kelson and Isabella Rea, who is league under 17 best and fairest, were consistent all game.
"It was really hard (to pick a best player) and Ally Mellblom and Ebony Marris came on in the last quarter and nothing changed and it was just smooth sailings. We were super proud."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.