Colbinabbin confirmed one of the more dominant netball seasons in recent memory when it scored its A-grade grand final victory in the Heathcote District Football Netball League on Saturday.

The premier netball contest of the day at Strauch Reserve started in competitive fashion, with Colbinabbin narrowly breaking away late in the quarter to earn a three-goal lead over Mt Pleasant.

The margin fluctuated throughout the second, but eventually Colbo’s quality began to shine through and the fluid nature of the Hoppers attack earned them a 10 goal advantage, 31-21 at the main break.

The second half was what fans were more accustomed to seeing from the Hoppers and the result was quickly beyond doubt.

Matilda McIntyre and Ella Kerlin were clinical in the goal ring, Elle Palmer and Tanzin Myers were stifling defensively, while Kasey Conder effectively marshalled a mid-court trio to transition quickly down court.

In the end, it was a lopsided win for Colbinabbin, 71-42, true to the form it had shown during the year.

It ends Colbo’s run as the league’s bridesmaids after the club dropped the last two grand finals, also ending a run of decider losses for coach Jen McIntyre, whose side lost the A-Reserve final earlier in the day.

“It’s so exciting,” she said.

“I thought I was the curse for a little while.

“It’s been three years coming and to be undefeated for a whole season is a huge effort, so I’m really proud.”

McIntyre gave credit to the Mounts, who went goal for goal with her side early on, but always had faith in her team's ability to push clear.

“We were expecting (a fight) to be honest,” said McIntyre.

“When we played them the second time (this year) it was very similar, they were within three or four at the start, and then we were able to push away.

“I said to them just keep to what we do, and I think that will happen again, and it did.”

Colbinabbin was untouchable in the league this year, rarely winning by fewer than 30, let alone being at risk of losing.

McIntyre said the disappointments in the last two years provided extra motivation to her side and led to its dominance.

“Maybe, losing two grand finals (was the secret to our dominance),” she said.

“That stings, but (also) we are a pretty strong team, we don’t have a weak link across the court.

“We’re very fortunate to have a very talented group this time, and they work for each other as well, there’s no ego they just want to win.”

Matilda McIntyre was awarded the best-on-court medal after a sniper like goaling performance alongside league best-and-fairest Ella Kerlin.

“A really strong goaling performance,” McIntyre said.

“She’s put big numbers up sitting back at goal shooter, kind of playing out of position, she’s more a goal attack but her and Ella (Kerlin) have a beautiful combination.”

The win marks Colbinabbin’s first A-grade title since it won its third straight in 2017.

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Wednesday, 7th December 2022

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