Undefeated Cats versus underdogs Bombers

by Angela Banbury
It's the Ellinbank and District grand final we've all been hoping for – the undefeated Neerim-Neerim South versus Nilma Darnum who have nothing to lose.
There are match ups all across the court and Saturday's crowd are going to be treated to an amazing game of netball. Regardless of who you want to take home the trophy, the netball will be fiercely competitive and extremely skilful from both teams.
Neerim South, as mentioned, go into the game with 19-0 record this year. They are looking for their 20th win that will ultimately see them as the most revered premiers and champions for season 2022.
League A grade best and fairest Christie Urie will lead the Cats from the goal defence position, and will give her team the greatest opportunity to grab their first A grade cup since 2001.
Pitted directly against Urie will be Melanie Cook, Nilma Darnum's enigmatic goal attack who will light the court up with her athleticism and competitive game.
The contest between these two superb athletes will be worth the ticket price alone, not forgetting what we get from the other six players on the court for each team.
Nilma's coach Rachael Chandler is up against Tarli Hillberg, and both players have extremely strong games in the midcourt. Neither will run out of steam as they give their teams first opportunity from the centre pass.
Kim Hillberg was named best on court in the second semi final for her display in goals, pairing naturally with Nicole Alcock. However, they will need to be at their accurate best up against Nilma's captain Stacey Lawry and club stalwarts Nicole Mirams and Jaclyn Clark.
Neerim have club legend Kasey Tymkin who they will want to ensure heads back to the Cattery as a winner. She'll be pitted against Nilma's two Renees - Young and Moss - who tend to share the workload at wing attack.
Gabrielle Paynter could be the linchpin for Nilma. With much of the focus on Cook, Paynter will go about her goaling business effortlessly and be a tough opponent for Neerim defender Paris Smith.
Nilma's youngest player Madlyn Borsato provides youthful exuberance on the court in the wing defence position, giving her team great drive out of defence. It will be a great match up against Neerim's Hayley Stringer who has grown up and come through the ranks of Neerim. She will provide her goalers the ball on a platter.
The second semi final was closer than the score indicated, with the 13-goal margin by the end of the game. Breaking it down quarter by quarter, it was generally just two - maybe three - breaks of the centre passes between the two teams.
Knowing the round 14 match was just an eight-goal margin, the grand final is going to be a great match between two proud clubs who will put on a great display of netball for the ultimate prize of 2022 premiership glory.

NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH PLAYERS:
Playing coach: Christie Urie
Position: Goal defence.
Christie joined Neerim South thanks to love, following her husband Chris to his home club following a coaching stint at Gippsland League club Warragul.
Awarded the EDNA best and fairest for her outstanding year, she will be the
leader on court in the grand final.
Christie's reach, jump and pressure causes
many turnovers and helps her gain many intercepts. Her ability to read the play is
amazing and she will be key if the Cats win.
Captain: Kasey Tymkin
Position: Wing defence/goal keeper.
Kasey has played at Neerim South since 1998, playing seniors since the age of 15. She boasts more than 450 club games.
Her tight defence earns her many touches and intercepts, as well as her ability to read the ball and play.
Kasey will be the toast of the team should the Cats get the win.
Hayley Stringer
Position: Wing attack.
Hayley began playing at Neerim South in the under 15s, playing senior netball throughout her junior years.
Having played in the A grade side for the past seven years, Hayley has a great ability to find the circle edge and deliver a perfect feed to her goalers.
Kimberley Hillberg
Position: Goal attack/goal shooter.
Kim joined her sisters Christie and Tarli at Neerim South this season, moving from Korumburra. A talented netballer who definitely doesn't live in the shadow of her sister, Kim is an unpredictable player who easily changes her game to beat her opponent.
She was awarded best on court in the second semi final against Nilma Darnum.
Mia Chandler
Position: Wing defence.
Mia has played all her netball at Neerim South and started playing A grade while she was still in 17's. Mia's speed and ability to read the ball gets her many intercepts, while bringing great drive out of defence. A talented young netballer has many years ahead of her on the court.
Nicole Alcock
Position: Goal shooter/goal attack.
Nic has played at Neerim South since she was in under 17s and all her senior games have been played in A grade.
As a goaler, she has great athleticism and can pull in any ball thrown her way. Nic has created a great goaling combination with Kim Hillberg, positioning well in the circle to create space for her teammate and
limiting the opposition defenders.
Paris Smith
Position: Goal keeper.
Paris has played all her netball at Neerim South and has combined well with Christie this season, really showing what she is capable of in the last line of defence.
Paris has a great reach and the ability to get to the "ungettable" balls.
Tarli Hillberg
Position: Centre.
Tarli moved to Neerim South this year to play with her sisters Christie and Kim, having played most of her netball at Korumburra.
Her defensive game is exceptional, heaping the pressure on her opposition. She also has the ability to control the speed of the game, giving her an edge in attack.
Peta Matthews
Position: Midcourt.
Peta has played at Neerim South for the past 11 seasons. Her determination and drive for the ball has seen her playing A grade for many years.
Peta has a natural ability to control the game, both in attack and defence, making her a valuable player at either end of the court.
Tessa Fusinato
Position: Midcourt.
Tess has played all her netball at Neerim South, growing up watching her mum play at the club. Tess is a smart player and plays a great floating defensive game. Her drive out of defence is unstoppable.
CLUB STATISTICS:
Last A grade premiership: 2001.
Club history: The last year the club had senior netball and football teams in finals was 1999. The A grade team last played finals in 2016, making the preliminary final where they lost to Ellinbank.

NILMA DARNUM PLAYERS:
Playing coach: Rachael Chandler
Position: Centre/wing attack.
Nilma's coach is an attacking midcourter with her endurance hard to outwork. She coached A grade back in 2008 and 2009, making it only to the elimination final in both years.
Rachael will push until the final siren to try and get her team over the line and get that elusive premiership for Nilma Darnum.
Captain: Stacey Lawry
Position: Goal defence/goal keeper.
One of the best defenders in the league, having won a league best and fairest and premiership with Dusties.
In her second year at the club, she has a proven record when it comes to big games. Stacey is a real threat to teams, with her ability to intercept, rebound and reject opposition goalers.
Gabrielle Paynter
Position: Goal shooter/goal attack.
Long range goaler who has been at Nilma Darnum for 14 years. Gabby has a beautiful shooting style and can shoot at range.
She has a strong determination against her opponent and can hold well.
Jaclyn Clark
Position: Goal defence/goal keeper.
Played her 300th game in the preliminary final win. What a memory for her to have!
But thinking she would give all those games for a win this weekend.
Her experience and calmness on the court settles the defence end down very well.
Madlyn Borsato
Position: Wing defence/centre.
Joined Darnum two years ago from Yarragon, and is the baby of the team. Her speed and shutdown ability on the court can be quite a surprise for any opponent.
Madlyn has been juggling umpiring and playing duties throughout the finals - a big credit to someone so young.
Melanie Cook
Position: Goal attack/goal
Nilma may think she's the secret weapon of the team, but everyone knows her talent and desire to win every contest.
Her speed and agility, especially in the goal circle, makes life difficult for defenders.
Mel's huge vertical leap means she will always be in the rebound contest should she miss. But she is very accurate despite her workload.
Nicole Mirams
Position: Goal defence/goal keeper.
Has played, coached and is now the president of Nilma and is looking for an A grade flag. Her hard work never goes unnoticed on and off the court.
Nikki has waited 13 years for this experience, and will be sure to put her opposing goaler under the pump with her ability to read the play.
Renee Moss
Position: Wing attack/wing defence.
Joined Nilma Darnum this year, coming across from Yallorn-Yallorn North.
She has years of experience, and her tenacity and patience with the ball compliments the attacking end very well.
Renee Young
Position: Wing defence/wing attack.
Has been at the club since juniors and has the strongest body of the team. Her strong body and leads make her hard to defend for any opponent.
Coming off a premiership with Dusties women's football, she is still on a high, and hoping to ride this wave to another premiership.
Hayley Purcell
Position: Goal shooter/goal attack.
Joins the A grade team as a goaler. She would be a very handy surprise for any defender, if required.
Her height and ability to rebound is an asset for her team.
CLUB STATISTICS:
Last A grade premiership: 1986.
Club history: last netball premiership was won by the 13 and under team in 2009.
 

GRAND FINALS
Venue: Dowton Park, Yarragon.
A grade: Neerim South v Nilma Darnum at 2.30pm.
B grade: Ellinbank v Nilma Darnum at 1.15pm.
C grade: Longwarry v Ellinbank at 12noon.
17 and under: Trafalgar v Poowong at 11am.
15 and under: Longwarry v Ellinbank at 10am.
13 and under: Trafalgar v Nyora at 9am.