Hey everyone, let’s talk about netball.
Yes, that spectacular sport played by women (and men!) across the country each weekend, rain, hail, or shine. The sport that’s given us some of our finest female athletes, not to mention 15 gold medals across the Commonwealth Games, World Games and Netball World Cup.
Because yesterday we had the ANZ Championship Grand Final. And it was a bloody ripper.
You might not have heard of it, because unlike the AFL Grand Final, netball’s ultimate showdown doesn’t warrant a public holiday. Its stars don’t command the big bucks that the boys of the sporting world get.
But boy, did they put up a good fight.
The Queensland Firebirds took on the New South Wales Swifts yesterday, and I'll bet you one centre bib that there wasn't a sporting contest more gripping on Australian screens this weekend.
The Swifts were trailing the reigning champions by five goals in the fourth quarter and managed to turn their fate around in the game's dying seconds, tying the game and forcing it into extra-time.
With neither team able to get a goal over their opponent in extra time, the match went into double extra-time -- meaning whichever team was the first to lead the scoreboard by two goals would be handed the ANZ Championship trophy for the final time.
In scenes reminiscent of last year's decider between the same teams, the Queenslanders took the lead with Goal Shooter Romelda Aiken scoring the winning goal. It was Goal Attack Gretel Tippett who got the Firebirds the win in the 2015 clash with New South Wales.
It was tense, thrilling, captivating, edge-of-your-seat stuff.
With a crowd of over 10,000 eager fans packed into the Queensland Entertainment Centre, netball's finally getting the attention it deserves.
And with Netball Australia launching a new competition for 2017 featuring three new sides, one thing is certain: If you're not tuning into the netball, you're really missing out.
It seems that Queenslanders have caught on - their championship team are getting a parade next weekend.
Top Comments
I was at the game cheering on the Firebirds, the atmosphere was incredible. It was a battle to the end from two amazing teams of athletes, who all show respect for their opponents. They are amazing role models for the sport.
I invited my netball team over to my house to watch the game. Double overtime! you can't get better than that. i was expecting a mention in the sports news on Monday morning and nothing about the game only NRL and AFL round updates. I even contacted TripleM on the Friday to give them the heads up and very disappointed that they didn't interview any of the girls.
Anyhow, the sport has come along in leaps and bounds this year. Well done to all involved.