Aztecs look unstoppable as Kazuals hope fifth time’s the charm in Geraldton Netball Association Final

The Geraldton Netball Association season will come to a close on Friday night as the top two teams battle it out, but one is a clear favourite.

The Aztecs come into the final having not lost a game all season and have beaten the Kazuals in their past four encounters.

This is on the back of their undefeated season last year when they claimed the title over the Pumas and are just one game away from two years unbeaten.

Leanne Fiorenza said it was a privilege to coach such an outstanding team.

“It’s a blessing actually, I’m a very blessed coach I have a great bunch of girls who’ve worked hard,” she said.

“These girls bring it every time come they come on court.

“To take home the title on Friday would mean all the hard work and sacrifice throughout the season has paid off.”

Kazuals have come closer than anyone to taking down the Aztec might in round 12 when they went down by a single goal in a 66-67 thriller.

Fiorenza said despite their success there is no complacency around the group.

“They play with intensity and they never go out cocky with the idea that they are guaranteed a win,” she said.

“The last six weeks have been pretty hard cause they’ve only played two games, we’ve been trying to train twice a week just so we can touch the ball and it’s put us at a disadvantage.

“We will need consistency with our play we need to chase and contest every ball on the night.”

In the more recent meeting, Kazuals went down by eight goals in the qualifying final which is the second closest margin in a game involving the Aztecs, but they were always on the back foot as they never threatened the lead after quarter-time.

Both teams have excellent offensive records, with the Kazuals actually averaging just under two goals a game more than the Aztecs. It’s on the defence end, however, where the gap between the teams is clear to see.

Aztecs give up on average just under 33 goals a game while for the Kazuals that number is just over 50.

It should also be noted while Kazuals average slightly higher goals a game the Aztecs have four of their five highest scores in their four games against them, as their clashes seemingly bring out the best of the Aztecs offence.

All this points to an Aztec win. The Kazuals may have the offensive ability to get a competitive score on the board but they will have to fix the holes in their defence

Kazuals coach Deanne Bridgeman said he believes the talent is there in her squad to grab the win despite the odds.

“We haven’t played them full strength yet I think with the full squad out there we can get it done,” she said.

“It’s our turn, they’re overdue for a loss. It’s a really good group of girls this year they’ve been training really hard and working on their fitness and I think we can get it done.

“You never know what can happen in finals.”

The grand final is at 8pm on Friday.

In the junior one final the defending champions Pumas will take on the Lightning and is favoured to go back-to-back after having their own undefeated season.

While the gap is not as wide as the top two teams in the senior comp the Lightning have not beaten the Pumas in the past four attempts and will be hoping to catch them off-guard to spring an upset.

In the grades already finished for the season, Lightning Red defeated Breezes 40-34 in the Junior 5 final and Lightning Grey beat their intra-club rivals Lightning Red 39-31 in the Junior 3 Yellow.

The Pumas had a dominant evening winning the Senior 3,5 and Junior 3 Blue divisions all against Lightning netball club teams.