Cairns Hockey: Eight players to watch in A-grade women’s grand final
Cairns Post hockey writer Rowan Sparkes picks eight players that could bust open Friday night’s A-grade women’s decider between Souths and Saints.
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Grand finals often come down to the game breakers that take the match by the scruff of the neck.
As sure as there will be a winner between Souths and Saints in Friday night’s Cairns Hockey Association A-grade women’s decider, there will surely be a defining moment, where a player positively or negatively makes an impact for their team.
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Cairns Post hockey writer Rowan Sparkes has pinpointed eight grand final game breakers who could be the difference between winning and losing on the night.
SOUTHS
Caitlyn Whipp
The Souths skipper and reigning A-grade player of the year has proven a handful in the midfield and will again demand plenty of attention from the opposition.
She can change the game significantly with her rapid decision-making in both attack and defence.
Patrice Butler
Her ability to carry the ball and create attacking opportunities with her skilful long-passing game will be critical in the biggest game of the year.
As someone who’s ‘been there, done that’, her experience will be invaluable in the middle of the pitch in the high-pressure decider.
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Sarah Cochran
Her hunger for the ball and execution inside the circle are among the best in the competition.
She has proven herself on the big stage before, burying two goals in Souths’ 3-0 grand final triumph over Stingers last year.
Layla Parker
The teenage keeper has been a brick wall in front of goal throughout the season, conceding just three goals in eight appearances.
She was the grand final hero in 2017, making three critical saves in her first penalty shootout to secure the premiership.
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SAINTS
Teneal Kelly
The Saints captain will look to lead by example up front, as she has done all season.
Her ability to find the back of the net and to create space for her fellow strikers has really helped Saints throughout the back half of the season.
Rhylee Pendrigh
The experienced defender will be charged with directing her side around the park from the back.
Her organisation and composure will be critical in defence, while her tight control and passing game means she is a constant threat.
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Liv McArthur
The confident midfielder is always a threat going forward and can be just as influential with her defensive workrate.
Her composure and determination on the ball will be a key for Saints on the night.
Kayla Devlin
The American defender has endured an unusual debut season with the club, but has been one of Saints’ most consistent performers.
She buried a drag flick to give her side the upper hand in last week’s elimination semi-final, and her teammates will be hoping she can produce a repeat effort on Friday night.
Originally published as Cairns Hockey: Eight players to watch in A-grade women’s grand final