NOT many clubs claim the right as back-to-back premiers, but Navarre A grade netballers can after they defeated Avoca in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Netball Association grand final.
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Navarre had the right to such a title from mid way through the third quarter of the grand final as they opened up a nine goal margin allowing them to enjoy the final quarter and soak up the atmosphere.
Navarre went into the match as favourites after defeating the undefeated Natte Bealiba in the preliminary final.
Following the brutal encounter there were concerns Navarre had played their best a week early, but from the outset Navarre looked promising against Avoca.
For Navarre the game plan was relatively simple.
"As a team we wanted to go in with 110 percent intensity defensively and then remain slow, steady and level headed when coming into attack," coach Jess Parry said.
Although relying heavily on their accurate shooting from long range Jess Parry and Rhi Davis were delivering time and time again.
The pressure applied in the mid court from Armstrong sisters Lauren and Meaghan and runner up league best and fairest Jess Williamson, was immense and as the match went on it took Avoca to breaking point.
"We just needed to settle in the second quarter remember our structures and game plan and that was what we did," Parry said.
"I think our finals experience helped us to settle quickly in the second quarter."
With a seven goal lead at half time Navarre could see the cup in sight, but in finals anything can happen so Navarre's intensity needed to remain the same.
Meg Newton came onto the court after half time and lasted just five minutes before injuring her knee and returning to the bench.
Navarre continued to build their lead to finish with a final score of 38-28.
Navarre extended their lead in every quarter and in a team effort where everyone played their part the award winners would have been a tough decision.
An individual panel of voters decided that best on for the day would go to Williamson for her efforts in wing attack.
Williamson is still new to the game having only played for three seasons and having won two premierships with Navarre looks to have great potential.
Navarre will do their best to retain Williamson for next season, however she has expressed her interest for a change.
Coach Jess Parry also received an award for her leadership and shooting abilities.
Parry shot 22 goals from 40 attempts to go at just over 50 percent on the day while her fellow goalie Davis shot at 73 percent.
Other players to impress were Taylah Mason who effectively went from playing in goals at the beginning of the season swung down to the defensive end.
Her additional height was something Avoca couldn't adjust too making it a stellar decision by Parry.
Despite having not played much defence together Mason combined well with the agile Sophie Matthews to form a formidable partnership.
After an injury riddled season Navarre had to work much harder this season to reach the final than they did last year, but the result was just the same.
"Back-to-back premierships was the dream at the start of the year and to make it a reality along side the senior footballers is a bit of a fairy tale," Parry said.
Parry will be stepping down from her coaching position next year after being in the role for the past four seasons.
"It would be great to see one of our other talented girls take it on or to see someone new come to the club," Parry said.
"I just want to improve my own netball and when you are a coach you put yourself last. I want to have someone tell me what to do and help me to improve on the areas I need to."