GVL ǀ Gallery ǀ ‘Intense, focused and committed’ Cats seal first points

By James Kleeman

Apr 10, 2022

Mooroopna’s A-grade netballers have started their 2022 in commanding fashion, coming away from their season opener at Deakin Reserve with a solid 63-49 win over Shepparton.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

A blistering start from both teams left little to separate the two sides at the first change.

But Mooroopna took its game to another level in the second quarter to extend its lead to 10 goals at the break, a margin the Cats would largely maintain throughout the match.

Taking her time: Elle Brooks sets up for a shot. Photo by James Kleeman

Coach Di Hanslow said her side’s overall performance was satisfying considering the calibre of its round one opposition.

“I thought the girls were sensational, all across the court they did an outstanding job,” she said.

“It was a really good hit-out for us, we knew the Bears are going to be a very, very strong team, so I’m rapt, it’s just a good way to start your season,” she said.

Under pressure: Ella Sidebottom looks for an option. Photo by James Kleeman

Cats shooter Elle Brooks was a particular standout up forward, with support from fellow young-gun Dayna Williams in attack.

Captain Maddison Wong was as solid as ever at the back, rotating across defensive roles to ensure the Bears’ forwards in Caitlin Hill and Ella Sidebottom couldn’t keep up with Mooroopna’s goalers.

“Elle and Dayna haven’t goaled much together, Dayna’s going back into goals after she plays defence down in Melbourne,” Hanslow said.

Down the wing: Mooroopna’s Georgia Gattuso looked for a pass under pressure from Shepparton’s Lili Murphy. Photo by James Kleeman

“It was a big contest for our two defenders, I thought they got stronger and stronger building that combination together.

“The work that was done out in front through Paigan (Impey) and Shelby (Britten) also really made it difficult access to the circle.”

A final-quarter surge from the Bears gave Mooroopna something to think about, the Cats holding off the fast-finishing Bears in the end to record the win.

In control: Bree Robinson assesses her options. Photo by James Kleeman

Hanslow said a dominant first three quarters saw the game slightly slip away from her side as fatigue set in in the final term.

“Obviously they’re all going to kick themselves for the last probably six to seven minutes, we just went away from our game plan,” she said.

“We set ourselves up to have an average last six to seven minutes because of how intense we were, how focused and how committed we were to our strategies throughout the other 54 minutes, that put us in the position that we’re in.”