Only the under-17s and under-15s get to play on Sunday and according to under-17 coach Kylie Coutts her team’s game will be the toughest one of the year.
And not just because it is the grand final – she said it was the top two sides facing off in the biggest game of the year and they have one win each from clashes during the season.
“The Bears got us on their home court and then we came back and defeated them by five goals in the qualifying final – that’s a good win, but hardly a big one,” Coutts said.
“So yes, it is going to be a very hard game on Sunday.’’
“Fortunately I feel our side is built on its great depth – the only player we will be missing is midcourter Charli Ryan, who will be overseas on a school trip with St Joseph’s College, which is a shame for her, but I am sure she will have a great time away.
“And that depth I spoke about means we will be able to have four of the under-15s on our bench and that’s such a plus for the side and the club.”
Coutts might also end up being one of the busiest people at Deakin Reserve on Sunday – as well as coaching the 17s she is also the seniors team manager.
But her priority is to help her young stars deliver on what she said had been an exciting and impressive season.
“No matter what combination you put on the court, the girls just click, and they are very disciplined,” Coutts said.
“That versatility gives you a lot of options on game day, if you have to make adjustments you know the girls are going to slot in like clockwork.
“On paper our strength is our attacking third, with more than 1000 goals for the year we are leading the league.
“Hannah Downward is a national high jumper and Kate Head is also tall, which is a great advantage.
“However, your attack is only as good as the team bringing the ball down the court, and the defence making it hard for the opposition to score, and our strength and consistency in every third is what we build our game on.”
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