Melton’s win in the Ballarat League A-grade netball grand final wasn’t just about the top team, it was about the whole club.
Club members made the trek to Ballarat’s Eastern Oval on Saturday hoping three premierships might fall their way.
The under-19s and C-grade teams both lost, but the top team came through for the club’s first A-grade premiership.
“It was fantastic overall and a good team effort; everyone dug deep,” playing coach Melissa McCauley said.
“I knew we needed a strong start and we got that. We did allow them to peg it back a bit [in the first quarter], but that was early on.
“We kept controlling the ball and chipped away at it all day and got there.”
McCauley, the highest goalscorer on the court with 38 from 42 attempts, said the work of the midcourters made her job easier.
“Maddy Carter and Libby Birch were really good,” she said.
“They have that vision into the circle and can put the ball where the shooters like it.”
She also highlighted the defenders’ role in shutting down Lions star Sophie Gunn.
“Our objective was to keep Sophie occupied and make the shorter shooters shoot and we did that,” said McCauley, adding her delight that Brooke Thompson had finished her career with a win.
“Rumours went around that she wasn’t going to play,” the coach said.
“She had a bit of bad news during the week and at one stage it looked like she couldn’t play. But she came out and came through.”
McCauley said the support of the whole club helped get the players across the line.
“I’ve been up since 6.30 and had to drive from Essendon to Ballarat,” she said.
“I was getting a bit tired, but you dig deep and that’s what it’s about.”
