NETBALL FEATURE | Gilchrist proud of 4-quarter effort

BY KIERAN ILES
BENDIGO TIMES

SANDHURST coach Tamara Gilchrist has expressed pride in the Dragons' four-quarter effort against Gisborne and their ability to maintain their intensity in a high-calibre contest at the QEO last Saturday.

A 16-goal to six second quarter laid the foundations for a decisive 18-goal win for the Dragons, their first against the Bulldogs since the 2023 second semi-final.

It came minus their star defender Ruby Turner due to Super Netball Reserves commitments with Melbourne Vixens.

Also missing key personnel, the Bulldogs were without dual premiership players Zoe Davies (injured), Claudia Mawson (Vixens Reserves) and Emerson Lakey.

Given the strong depth at both clubs, matches between the Dragons and Bulldogs are always keenly contested and the four-points cherished.

It's why Gilchrist was pleased to emerge with a crucial victory in terms of ladder position, keeping them a win below top of the ladder Kangaroo Flat, but a game clear of the third-placed Bulldogs.

"You can only beat who is out there, which is going to happen a bit this year," Gilchrist said in reference to players missing games through VNL and Super Netball Reserves commitments.

"We were both missing key players, but it was still a good win.

"You would take a win against Gisborne any day."

Particularly satisfying for Gilchrist was her players' attack on the ball and persistence.

"Our goalers (Bec Smith, Kelsey Meade and Kelsey Ralph) were great – their accuracy was on point," she said.

"And after the first quarter - defensively in the circle - we made a few changes and tweaked a few things and won a lot of ball.

"It was a good game all over for us."

The undoubted standout from both sides was Dragons midcourter Shae Clifford, who continued her stellar season at all levels of netball, including as captain of the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team.

Third in last year's Betty Thompson Medal count behind Kangaroo Flat's back-to-back winner Chelsea Sartori and Gisborne's Maddy Stewart, and second in 2023, Clifford has stamped herself as one of the early favourites for this year's honour.

Gilchrist could not speak highly enough of the 21-year-old.

"She is having a stellar season. Her speed and change of direction is phenomenal," she said.

"She was great again for us on Saturday.

"I don't know what is going at other clubs, but she is by far the most consistent player I've seen this year."

In defence, Sophie Shoebridge earned strong praise from her coach for a strong last three quarters at goal keeper.

Fully knowing she will have players missing each week right up until their round 16 clash against Gisborne, Gilchrist said there would always be things for the Dragons to work on as they looked to set themselves up for another big September.

"We want to create a little more defensive pressure through the middle on transition just to help out our ring defenders a little more," she said.

"At the moment is more about making sure that whatever combination we have out there that everyone is all over what the system looks like or what the play calls for.

"We need to continue working on our rotations to make sure everyone is comfortable with each other."

Next up for Sandhurst is a showdown against Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park, with the Hawks coming off a solid win over Strathfieldsaye, albeit before last weekend's bye.

The Dragons will again be without Turner and will be missing midcourter Meg Williams (overseas).