DIAMONDS haven’t beaten women’s soccer powerhouse Boomers all year but captain Bonnie Denison says her side couldn’t be in better form for the finals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The red and whites destroyed top-four bogey side Melrose 8-0 last week to advance to the knockout semi-final against the league champions at Wangaratta on Sunday
But Boomers coach Steve Hayes believes luck could decide the outcome.
Boomers have won the past five cup finals.
“We have had three really tight games with Diamonds this year, so we need to be sharp,” he said.
“Having played in finals is an added bonus but cup matches are a one-off event and you need a little luck, you need to take your chances.”
Denison said they went into the game quietly confident but not under-estimating the task.
“We have played them three times this year and lost by a goal on each occasion — they are a great side so we have a lot of respect for them as well,” she said.
“You have to shut down their midfield and you need someone to go with Emily Bouwhuis all day; that’s likely to be Bree Buckingham.”
Hayes paid tribute to men’s keeper Matt Mildren for the development of Jess Noordewier, whose save two weeks ago sealed the league title for Boomers.
“She is a talented netballer so she had great hands but needed to learn the finer art of keeping and with Matt’s help has come along in leaps and bounds,” he said.