GVL ǀ ‘We’re really honoured’: Mooroopna to challenge for first netball flag since 1986

By James Kleeman

Sep 22, 2022

Going all the way: Mackenzie Clark and her Mooroopna side will be eager to clinch the club’s first netball premiership since 1986 this Sunday. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

For Bree Hanslow and her 17-and-under Mooroopna outfit this Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League grand final presents the opportunity to write the next chapter of club history.

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

An incredible journey this season — including a shock one-goal semi-final triumph over a previously undefeated Shepparton side — will reach its finale this weekend.

This and the fact the Cats will play for their first premiership this millennia, has everyone at Mooroopna excited — coach included.

“I’m super excited to be taking such a talented group to a grand final,” Hanslow said.

“We’ve talked about it with the girls, they’re really honoured to be able to represent the club, it’s the first time in the under-17s the club’s had a team in the grand final.

“It’s really exciting.”

Hanslow, who was celebrated on Wednesday for her stellar season in the coach’s role with the Netball Victoria Youth Coach award, said a promising young bunch had come together under her tutelage this year.

“We’ve got a pretty diverse group, a number of them played under-15s together last year,” she said.

“It’s a really young team and there’s plenty of promise for the girls there going forward, they’ve really developed and grown to play as a unit as the season’s gone along.”

The Cats come up against a side they were undone by twice this year in the grand final.

In round 18, the two played out an absolute blockbuster, Echuca coming away with a thrilling two-goal win on that occasion.

Hanslow said her side was well aware of the challenge its opposition poses this weekend.

“Echuca’s got a great team, the last time we played them it was a two-goal difference,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to it and we’re expecting a great competition again.”

A true team performance is what the Mooroopna coach is hoping for this weekend, she said, in a game that could well shape the next chapter of netball history for the club.

“I think it’s just doing the small things right,” Hanslow said.

“We’re focused on working as a team and as a unit and making sure the rest of it takes care of itself.

“You never know on grand final day, I think obviously it will take a team effort from everyone, I don’t think one person can carry a team, we’ll be looking to everyone across the court.

“It would mean the world to Mooroopna to win their first under-17s grand final, the girls have worked really hard and deserve to be there.”