WODONGA Raiders coach Tim Knight believes the form guide will be thrown out the window when his side takes on Thurgoona in Sunday’s AFL NEB Youth Girls grand final at Lavington.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite winning their semi-final by 71 points, Knight said both teams would field different sides in the grand final.
“We did well during the season but Thurgoona and Raiders haven’t played against each other with full sides yet,” Knight said.
“It should be a good game with both sides having a lot of talent.
“I’m hoping we win but it will come down to who wants the ball more.”
Although the Raiders lost vice-captain Anastia Steyn with a knee injury and Keeley O’Reilly with a broken arm during the home and away series, they have had a host of players step up including Iilish Ross and Chelsea Knight.
Alyce Parker and Nakita Singe have only played sparingly for Thurgoona due to other sporting commitments and will be keys for Thurgoona.
Brit Walker, Olivia Hall and Mackenna Carroll have also had good seasons.
A key match-up will be between Wodonga Raiders’ full-forward Brea Quinlivan and Thurgoona defender Amelia McCrabb.
Coach Tim Madden said Thurgoona played well to defeat Yarrawonga in the preliminary final last weekend and were hoping to reproduce the same form.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Madden said.
“The girls are improving all the time and hopefully it comes together on Sunday.”
The match starts at 1pm.
