news, latest-news, brian allen, sarah smith warrnambool blues, hfnl, hfnl netball preliminary finals, hampden league
Warrnambool wing attack Sarah Smith hasn't played in a Hampden league open grade preliminary final but she's ready to give her all on Saturday. The athletic wing attack said her Blues were up-and-about ahead of their do-or-die clash with Koroit. "We're all pretty excited," she said. "A bit nervous but very pumped." The Blues will be looking to bounce back after a two-goal loss to Cobden when they meet the Saints at Friendly Societies' Park. READ MORE: Smith said her side took plenty of confidence from its narrow loss to the Bombers. "We were really happy with that, to know we can get up against top teams like that," she said. The 19-year-old added her team missed out on a few turnovers but was overall happy with the performance. She knows what it'll take against the reigning premier. "We've just got to keep it steady, feed well into our goalies and have strong drives," she said. "Our defensive pressure has got to be strong and we've got to score off turnovers." The young gun said a strong start would also be important. Smith is aware of Saints' scoring force Nell Mitchell. "We've got to stop it before it gets into her," she said. "We did that well last time." Warrnambool managed to keep Mitchell to 26 goals during its 46-42 qualifying final win. Smith said her group had prepared for this Saturday's final by using the high altitude room at a Warrnambool-based gym on Tuesday night. She said the team had done it most Tuesdays this season and it had helped with the side's aim to play out four quarters. Meanwhile, Smith has had a breakout season. Coach Raewyn Poumako named her the Blues' most improved player midway through the year. "I think Sarah's overall game has stepped up massively since last year," Poumako said at the time. Smith believes she has had a better season than her 2018. "I've been more confident and I had a bigger pre-season than last year," she said. "I've been working on my fitness a bit more." The midcourter said she had been getting valuable advice and feedback from mentors including Poumako and goalie Amy Wormald. "I've been using my body a bit more and I've been stronger," she said of her 2019. The teenager has gained valuable experiences since making her open debut as a 16-year-old. She started her netball career with Allansford in the Warrnambool and District league before switching to the Blues. The wing attack, who has only missed one game this season, said she valued her early start in the Hampden league's top grade. She said she built confidence quickly with the help of older teammates. Smith is working full-time at Wannon Water during her gap year. Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc76wd4912ark1iu2k865b.jpg/r0_142_4666_2778_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg
September 13 2019 - 12:30PM
Warrnambool midcourter all set to take on reigning premier in HFNL final
Looking forward: Warrnambool's Sarah Smith is excited to play Koroit in Saturday's preliminary final. Picture: Morgan Hancock
Warrnambool wing attack Sarah Smith hasn't played in a Hampden league open grade preliminary final but she's ready to give her all on Saturday.
The athletic wing attack said her Blues were up-and-about ahead of their do-or-die clash with Koroit.
"We're all pretty excited," she said.
"A bit nervous but very pumped."
The Blues will be looking to bounce back after a two-goal loss to Cobden when they meet the Saints at Friendly Societies' Park.
Rooster revolution: South nets friends with top Hampden pedigrees
Coaches predict goalie will take out league best and fairest
Smith said her side took plenty of confidence from its narrow loss to the Bombers.
"We were really happy with that, to know we can get up against top teams like that," she said.
The 19-year-old added her team missed out on a few turnovers but was overall happy with the performance.
She knows what it'll take against the reigning premier.
In control: Warrnambool's Sarah Smith takes possession of the ball. Picture: Morgan Hancock
"We've just got to keep it steady, feed well into our goalies and have strong drives," she said.
"Our defensive pressure has got to be strong and we've got to score off turnovers."
The young gun said a strong start would also be important.
Smith is aware of Saints' scoring force Nell Mitchell.
"We've got to stop it before it gets into her," she said.
"We did that well last time."
Warrnambool managed to keep Mitchell to 26 goals during its 46-42 qualifying final win.
Smith said her group had prepared for this Saturday's final by using the high altitude room at a Warrnambool-based gym on Tuesday night.
She said the team had done it most Tuesdays this season and it had helped with the side's aim to play out four quarters.
Meanwhile, Smith has had a breakout season.
Coach Raewyn Poumako named her the Blues' most improved player midway through the year.
Wing attack: Warrnambool's Sarah Smith looks to pass off the ball. Picture: Morgan Hancock
"I think Sarah's overall game has stepped up massively since last year," Poumako said at the time.
Smith believes she has had a better season than her 2018.
"I've been more confident and I had a bigger pre-season than last year," she said.
"I've been working on my fitness a bit more."
The midcourter said she had been getting valuable advice and feedback from mentors including Poumako and goalie Amy Wormald.
"I've been using my body a bit more and I've been stronger," she said of her 2019.
Important link: Warrnambool's Sarah Smith passes the ball. Picture: Mark Witte
The teenager has gained valuable experiences since making her open debut as a 16-year-old.
She started her netball career with Allansford in the Warrnambool and District league before switching to the Blues.
The wing attack, who has only missed one game this season, said she valued her early start in the Hampden league's top grade.
She said she built confidence quickly with the help of older teammates.
Smith is working full-time at Wannon Water during her gap year.
Supermarket giant's exit a 'blow to the city'