Battle of the Birds - ANZC13 GF

Last Sunday afternoon it was the battle of the birds with the Adelaide Thunderbirds hosting the Queensland Firebirds to decide the winner of the 2013 ANZC. History on the line with for the first time in the competitions history, one team will claim the title on two occasions. As expected a tough and nail biting contest commenced and it was only until the last minute of the game was the champion decided.

The Firebirds had a tough road to reach the grand final with 5 previous encounters away from home and in particular beating last years champions the Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton. Early in the season not many would have predicted a top for 4 finish for the Queenslanders but they did one better and deservedly so earned their spot in the grand final.

Unearthing some young and up and coming talent they could well be set up for the next couple of seasons. Kim Ravallion and Gabi Simpson were standouts in particular, playing well beyond their years and should find themselves into Diamonds contention for the international season.

However as many predicted Adelaide managed to hold on and finish off the season in style. It is a testament to the culture and environment that the coaching staff have been working on for the past few seasons that the girls handled the pressure and last minute fightback from the Firebirds to pull out the 2 goal win.

Erin Bell named the Grand Final MVP and deservedly so, continuing on from a fantastic season and being slightly unlucky in my eyes to not be named a season MVP nominee in place of Nat Medhurst. Since making the move to Adelaide, Bell's game has improved immensely and with regular court time she has forced her way into the Diamonds team and could well be in the starting GA position for the up and coming Constellation Cup in September.

Special mention needs to go to Laura Geitz who after the death of her father mid season has played like a true champion and leader of her team. Laura has produced career best form against some of the best shooters in the world and with the retirement of NVB many have touted her for the Diamonds captaincy, a well deserved accolade if she is given the nod.

Well done to the Thunderbirds who have been setting the pace this season and to Jane Woodlands-Thompson who has been a master coach in recruiting and also having the belief in her players to do the business. The change in the 4th quarter for Nat VB to WA and Leigh Waddington into C, with the game in the balance the transition was seamless and worked perfectly. Not many coaches would have made the call but JWT has said on numerous occasions that she has a belief in the entire squad of players.

The big questions now, who will be traded in the off season, and of course who will be selected for both the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns.

What am I going to do with no netball until September....