Magpies and Eagles to face off in battle of the birds for 17-and-under flag

Despite finishing behind Echuca United, Moama has had the edge when the two sides have met, winning by 15 goals in round three of the home and away season, the Eagles jagged one back 55-34 in round nine before the Magpies got a triumphant win in the finals.

Now, all eyes will descend upon Moama Recreation Reserve where the Magpies will be looking to bank a historic three-peat.

Moama 17-and-under coach Blaise Mortimer was proud that despite the side having to overcome injuries, a lack of continuity and integrating new players, they’ve made it back to the big dance.

“We’ve had a good season, It was a bit of a slow start, in that we had some different dynamics in our team to what many girls are used to, and we brought up quite a few under-15s into our team, so, just developing those girls as well,” she said.

“We also had a lot of injuries, I don't think we ever actually played with our full side until like around 15 or 16.

“So, the girls have done really well to gel and come together so, we are all looking forward to a big grand final.”

Mortimer looked ahead to the fated meeting with rival Echuca United and the trust and companionship the side has built in the lead up.

“We've built a great team dynamic, they're a great group of girls, and they all play for each other, she said.

“They've gelled really well as a team, and they've built a lot of versatility as a team as well.

“They're a great group of girls and just a great team to be around really.

“A grand final game is always big, and you always want to win it, but I think coming up against your rival club, there are some ex-Moama players and ex-former coaches also coaching at (Echuca) United, so, there are a lot of elements there.

“Whatever way it goes, it's going to be a tough game, we know that.

“They're a very strong side, they're well drilled, so, we know it'll be a challenge, but if we play together as a team, play for each other, and give it everything we've got, hopefully we can come away with the premiership.”

For Echuca United, the stats point to a dominant squad filled with high quality talent.

The club has the best scoring and defensive record in the competition and boasts the newly-crowned league best-and-fairest Coby Morgan, and the Wendy Brooks Rookie of the Year, Diaz Agg.

Agg and Morgan were regulars in the A-grade side this year, as was Chloe Moyle who was unfortunately ruled out of finals with an ACL injury.

“It's been a great year for the girls,” coach Leesa Hooppell said.

“I took over in round five, but we’ve worked really hard and I’m just rapt with how far the girls have come.

“We went back to basic netball and they’ve really taken on what I’ve tried to get across in the club and just improved and improved every week.

“It's unbelievable actually to finish top of the ladder, we had a lot of work to do, they’ve worked hard and they should be very proud of themselves.”

Hooppell, who has experience at Moama, knows what the Magpies will bring to the table, but believes her squad has what it takes to end the club’s dominance of the junior grades.

“I know Moama very well because I’ve coached all the girls apart from one, and I knew it was going to be tough (in the qualifying final), being our first game without Chloe,” she said.

“We’ve got to throw everything into it and see what happens.

“We can certainly win it, there's no doubt about it but we’ve got to play well because Moama obviously are a very strong side.

“We know the game can be like a see-saw, you think if you're up by six that you might be okay, but you can soon lose that lead.

“So, I think basically we’ve just got to work hard for the entire hour, stick to our game plan, and hopefully, fingers crossed, the best team will win on the day.”

The 17-and-under grand final is scheduled for 9.30am at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday.