Matrics face Contax challenge as they chase historic Netball SA Premier League three-peat
Two netball SA juggernauts will go head to head in the Premier League Grand Final for the third straight year, while South Adelaide faces Matrics in the reserves tonight.
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Matrics will chase a history-making three-peat on Friday night when they come up against rivals Contax in the 2021 Netball SA Premier League Grand Final.
The two juggernauts will lock horns in the big dance for the third straight season, just two weeks after Contax won bragging rights in their semi-final matchup.
Matrics coach Jacqui Illman said the team is focused on claiming revenge for that loss this week, putting three-peat talks aside.
“The three-peat is something which stays at the back of our minds,” Illman said.
“We haven’t achieved that before so it would be special, but we don’t need any extra motivation to win the Grand Final.
“Contax are obviously a strong opponent. They knocked us off in the semi and are always very tough to beat so we’ll need to be at our best.
“We’re really excited.”
Matrics have been the top side all season, with players like goal shooter Lucy Austin and centre Tyler Orr at their best.
Their avenues to Austin were shut down in the semi-final against Contax however, something Illman said the team has been working on in preparation for Friday’s game.
“Contax have a really strong defence with a lot of experience,” she said.
“We’re aware of their strengths and we’ve worked on some different options through the week.
“We’ve got a lot of great attacking players and everyone will need contribute in order to get through their defensive pressure, which I’m confident will happen.”
Contax have had the extra week off after their semi-final win, which saw them straight through to Friday’s game.
Coach Leanne Eichler said that while the team used the extra time off well, it does not guarantee a win.
“We’ve had some extra time for preparation which has been really good for us, and we come in with a lot of confidence based on recent form,” she said.
“Going straight to the grand final doesn’t guarantee you anything against a great side in Matrics though and there were still areas in the semi-final we can learn from.”
Center Tayla Williams has been a standout for the side and star defender Molly Watson will be back for the contest.
Eichler said the whole side will need to produce a strong performance, and is hoping for a repeat of their defensive showing in the semi as they aim to spoil Matrics’ three-peat party.
“They’ve got a really good target in Lucy Austin so we need to be strong again defensively,” she said.
“We’ve been able to maintain a strong team effort in all our games this season and it’s going to take that full team performance again on Friday.
“Obviously the last two grand finals haven’t been ideal for us, but we have a good mix of players this year and can’t look at the past.”
In Friday night’s reserves grand final, South Adelaide will be looking for its first ever Netball SA premiership when it faces Matrics.
The team has had a strong season, finishing third in the minor round, but will go in as underdogs against top-spot Matrics.
South Adelaide captain Brook McIntyre has been an inspiration in Goal Defence, but Matrics Wing Defence Sophie Westover will also look to steal the show in what should be a tight affair.
The Reserves GF will begin from 6.50pm at Netball SA Stadium, with the Premier game starting at 8.40pm.
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