Tara Murray
It was a heartbreaking loss for Yarraville Seddon Gold in the Western Netball League division 2 grand final on Friday night.
The Eagles first grand final, in their second season in the competition, the Eagles pushed Glen Orden all the way before falling short, 35-34.
The match would come down to a shot after the siren for the Hawks, who were able to covert and win the premiership.
Eagles player and women’s sports operation manager Gabby Menadue said it was a hard loss to take.
“It’s still heartbreaking,” she said the following day. “It could have gone either way.
“We had our chances. They are a great team and they showed why they were on top of the ladder.
“We got into the grand final from fourth. Any of the top four could have won it.”
There wasn’t much between the two sides when they faced each other all season.
The Eagles won the first game by one goal and it was the Hawks by one goal the second time.
On Friday night, the teams traded the lead throughout the match.
It came down to the final minute.
The Eagles had the ball in their attacking third but missed a shot to take the lead.
The Hawks went down the other end. A penalty meant a shot after the final siren, which was then converted.
Menadue was full of praise for the Hawks and the program that they had built.
“They are a great team and we get along really well with them,” she said. “Whenever we’ve played them, it’s been a great contest.
“That is what you love and why you play netball. We’re coming for them next year.”
Menadue said she was proud of what her club was starting to build.
She said making the grand final itself was a big achievement for the group and they were hoping to already grow the program again next year.
“It’s only our second year playing,” she said. “We started last year with one team and we had three this season.
“It’s a slow build and we’re hoping to build on that. Some players have intentions to come across and want to be part of it.
“Majority of the players in the grand final want to play again. They want to win it. We’re aiming to have a strong team next season.”
