ARARAT is setting itself for a major assault against Horsham in the 17 and under Wimmera Netball Association grand final on Saturday.
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The Demons have arrived at this point in the season without a blemish on their win-loss record, cruising into the decider with an eight-goal second semi-final triumph against Horsham Saints.
Ararat has had its work cut out for it to make the final game of the season.
After finishing second at the end of the regular season, the Rats fell to the Saints by three goals in the qualifying final, and hard to work hard to earn their place against the Demons.
Two nail-biting one-goal results in succession has the Rats poised for another close encounter on Saturday.
They beat Stawell 35-34 in the first semi-final and then outlasted Horsham Saints the second time around in the weekend’s preliminary final.
Horsham has comfortably claimed all three matches between the two sides this season, barring a four-goal triumph in round 16.
Rats coach Mary-Lou Boatman said her side had worked hard to put itself into a premiership-winning position.
“This is the culmination of seven months hard work from a dedicated group of young women,” she said.
“If the girls can replicate their past two finals appearances where they showed grit and determination, then they have a realistic chance of causing a major upset.”
Boatman said the ability to apply consistent pressure to the Demons players would prove pivotal for the Rats.
“The defensive duo of Alex Antonio and Angie Stoneman have been able to shut down opposition goalies in recent weeks when it counted,” she said.
“They’ve provided numerous turnovers and scoring opportunities.
“The rebounding ability of the pair has been strong and vital when maintaining pressure on the opposition.”
Demons Lauren Kemp and Keely Pope will need to work hard to ensure they find enough space to shoot a winning score for their Horsham side.
Boatman said slow starts in each of Ararat’s finals appearances must not be repeated on Saturday.
“It will be key to be quick out of the blocks and be on task and focused,” she said.
“We can’t afford to let the Demons girls gain momentum and confidence.”
