Grand Final Preview: RC Pythons vs RC Cobras
When: 7.40pm Thursday, 31st March 2016
Where: Ryans Reserve, International Netball Stadium, Richmond, VIC
Who: RC Pythons (1) vs RC Cobras (3)
And so the Richmond Central Pythons find themselves on the precipice of greatness, unparalleled in the history of Melbourne Netball. This Thursday, at 7.40pm the team will play for their 5th straight premiership, against the Richmond Central Cobras, who continue to get better each season and deserve their spot in the Grand Final.
The Pythons will once again go into the big dance as almost unbackable favourites, having not lost a game since October 2015, and going unbeaten throughout the Summer Season. Make no mistake about it, the Cobras will be paying $10.00 for the win at the TAB. Heavy favourites get rolled all the time, and the Pythons will need to be on their game from the opening whistle if they are to win this and make “the dream” a reality.
What most of you don’t know about the Pythons, is that they used to be “pretty shit” (Elle Mena – 2016), they had their fair share of hammerings and over 10 + seasons in the league, have recruited well, developed an amazing team culture and worked hard to find themselves at the top of the proverbial pile. Throughout the season, stats show that in 16 games this season, the Pythons have only used 2 non Python fill ins, Ness played 2 games in Round 1 + 2 and Danika played one game in Round 13. Fed Kaso, also qualifies for finals having played 5 games. It is unlikely she will be called on to suit up for the Grand Final due to all players being available. This surely has been a reason for the Pythons dominance, the continuity week to week this season has been key to how good we have become. Every player knows how every other player ticks.
Keys to the Match:
Wing Defence:
When I played netball, I was a wing defence. I was a pretty poor one because I actually love to attack, and I’m lazy to mark people. I always assumed they put players in Wing Defence to hide them. That’s not the case in the Pythons. Stats for the 2016 season show that when Jen isn’t playing Wing Defence, we let in 5 goals more per game. She has a great defensive mind and that little extra height needed to dominate, as well as the uncanny ability to play rough country netball. It is likely that Jen will start favourite for Best on Ground in the Grand Final.
Rule Changes:
4 rules have changed this season, and the team that adapts quickest will go a long way to winning this one. The Grand Final means we’ll be playing full length quarters with stoppage time so will need to be on our game for the full 36 minutes.
Centre:
Maria is our Centre, one of our leaders and the reigning Sandy Robertson Medalist. If she plays well, we win, its pretty much that simple. Maria has played all but 8 minutes of this season and has a stranglehold on the Centre position. The Cobras are likely to run a rotation at Centre and if I’m honest, will probably all get dominated by Maria. Expect some flying elbows in the mid-court battle. Jen and Laura to come out as victors like it’s The Hunger Games.
Prediction:
Considering I’m the coach, I’m always going to back the Pythons. That aside, I think we’ve gone to another level this season, while the others have slipped back a few notches. In a casual comp, we’re too professional and well drilled to come anywhere near losing Thursday. Thursday see’s predicted cool temperatures with no chance of rain, the sun will be fully down for 7.40pm and the Pythons love Thursday Night Lights. I expect that we should run out winners by 10+ goals. Cementing our place in Richmond history.