Shepparton and Mooroopna prepare to lock horns in Goulburn Valley League 17-and-under big dance

Shepparton’s résumé is near-immaculate: 16 wins, just two losses, and top spot on the ladder.

But the Bears’ path to the decider has been bumpy enough to keep them humble.

A first-up finals loss to Rochester sent them the long way round, but coach Kate Wardle believes that stumble may prove the making of them.

“It was actually a bit of a blessing in disguise,” Wardle said.

“We were a bit shell-shocked, and in the following games we were a bit more prepared. We’ve taken all the learnings from that loss and responded really well.”

On paper, Shepparton boasts a line-up built for the podium.

Carol Ryan Rising Star recipient Lily Byers has led with composure through the midcourt all season, while Sophie Eade, Bella Gale and Annabelle Georgiou have built an air-tight defensive end.

The addition of Matilda Ewart — a dynamic shooter from Murchison — has given the Bears a new edge up front.

“Everyone’s stepped up at the right time, so hopefully we can do it for one more game,” Wardle said.

Across the causeway, Mooroopna has been riding its own arc of redemption.

Starting 0-2, the Cats looked momentarily vulnerable, then surged into form to win 17 of their next 18 to storm into the grand final from third.

Co-coach Georgia Gattuso says the timing couldn’t be better.

“Preparations have been really strong; we’ve really tried to cement our strategies in the last couple of weeks,” she said.

“Obviously the last weekend off has been nice for us to regroup and regather and we’re looking hopefully really strong going into Sunday’s game.”

The Cats have turned early setbacks into fuel.

They’ve knocked over fancied sides in recent weeks and enter Sunday with the swagger of a team peaking at the perfect time.

“Having those first couple of weeks where we did lose some games … turning that around throughout the rest of season has been really good,” Gattuso said.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the girls.”

Gattuso highlighted Bridie Kelly’s emergence as a rock in defence alongside Marli Coller, while captain Jinaya Nurse has led the attack end with poise and scoring power.

All will need to fire if Mooroopna is to upend Shepparton, with Gattuso expecting a “tight, close game” against a “really well drilled side”.

Wardle is equally aware of the danger.

“They are such a strong outfit; they’are a wvery well-run, well-oiled machine,” she said.

“It’ll be a really tough battle but it’s exciting.

“’I’m telling a lot of people that it’s going to be a good brand of netball regardless of the outcome, so get down to Deakin.”