The Burras will have to be at their very best if they are to overcome a red hot Horsham Demons side this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minyip-Murtoa makes the journey to Horsham City Oval on Saturday to play the Demons on their home court.
Horsham narrowly missed out on finishing atop the Wimmera Netball Association A Grade table, finishing just two points behind eventual minor premiers Warrack Eagles.
The Demons have been in inspired form in the back half of the season, with their most recent loss coming back in round 10 at the end of June.
Since that game they have averaged nearly 70 goals per game and beaten every opponent that has stood in their way, including Warrack Eagles.
The run into finals has not been as cruisy for the Burras but they have been undefeated for the last four weeks, looking to find form and have a crack at a third consecutive grand final berth.
“We are all pretty excited and totally pumped to kick finals off,” Burras coach Claire Drum said.
“I think we will be drawing on all of our experience in finals and two years of grand final experience this weekend. The girls know a lot about themselves and what they are up against.”
The Demons finished the regular season with the best attacking record in the association’s top flight, averaging more than 64 goals per game.
Drum said while the Demons will be a difficult opponent she does not see them as unbeatable.
Read more: Rats, Saints lay it all on the line
“They aren’t insurmountable, we just need to put together a strong four quarter effort,” she said.
“I think with a team like Horsham you have to be strong right across the court.
“All the time you have to maintain possession and convert turnovers. There is no point doing the work forcing a turnover and then throwing it away. It is the one-percent type things that will be crucial.”
The Demons claimed victory both times they faced the Burras this season.
Minyip-Murtoa was not a push over in the most recent contest in round 14 however, leading Horsham at half-time.
They aren’t insurmountable
- Claire Drum
Drum said she believes her side can prevent the Demons from making it three from three this weekend.
“I think you learn more from a loss than a win to be frank,” she said.
“We want to be able to play our game and to our best to restrict their game. We managed to run with them for parts of games but just need to do it more consistently.
“We had a good hit out against Saints (in the final round) and learned a bit more about ourselves too.”
The winner of Saturday’s game will play Warrack Eagles in a qualifying semi-final next weekend.
The A Grade contest will begin at 3.30pm at Horsham City Oval on Saturday.