Tasmanian Magpies have fought off one last challenge to stake a claim for the state’s historic first national title.
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The groundbreaking 66-55 win against Netball NSW Waratahs secured a place in Sunday’s Australian Netball League grand final against upstarts Canberra Giants.
The hosts to the weekend’s finals caused a 58-47 boilover to inflict just a second loss all season on Victorian Fury.
The Tasmanians pulled away late in the semi-final to their biggest lead after they dictated from the outset.
Coach Kate Upton felt the side’s masterful performance was one of character.
“It was a really consistent performance,” she said.
“We had to change the game plan a little bit defensively, but they knew exactly what to do and when we executed it a huge amount of pressure to turn the ball over.
“It made sure that once we got those turnover balls that they were just precious and we maintained possession.
“It’s something we’ve been working on for a long time.”
The Magpies looked the part early, scoring 11 off the game’s first 16 goals before the Waratahs pulled back to three at quarter-time.
Upton’s charges again took control and the lead jumped out to nine before settling on a 33-26 half-time scoreline.
Both sides added 16 goals in the third quarter, but the Waratahs were quick in the last to make their move.
A seven-goal lead was narrowed down to two with a tense nine minutes left.
“It was a situation where we needed to up the pressure,” Upton said.
“We tried to change our structure and do a little bit of area defence – that really didn’t work. We went back to one-on-one and we were able to create some turnovers.
“Credit to the girls because they had literally just worked and worked to create something from defence.”
Tasmanian centre Kelsie Rainbow regained control of the midcourt and captain Cody Lange was sharp with her balls coming into sharpshooter Jane Cook to put on nine of the next 11 goals.
Upton said the side is ready for a famous tilt at glory.
“We did speak before the game that it’s a mindset thing. It’s just once you get to this situation in finals, it really comes down to who can mentally handle it,” she said.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
