Geraldton netball grand final rematch as Aztecs take on Pumas for senior one title

The biggest event on the Geraldton netball calendar is tonight as two powerhouses play in a repeat of last year’s grand final.

Aztecs take on Pumas in the decider for the senior one title at 8pm, after the senior four and junior divisions play at 6pm.

Aztecs coach Leanne Fiorenza said her team, who were beaten grand finalists last year, were hoping to go one better after upping their training intensity and going undefeated this season.

“We learnt our lesson last year and we’ve been training hard,” Fiorenza said.

“It’s been a full-team (effort) and the squad have combined well.

“We’ve been pretty lucky, with only a few injuries.

“We’ve done everything right this year that we can do.

“Now it’s just what happens on the night.”

She said Libby Shuttlewood had stepped up from reserves to fill in at goal shooter, with regular GS Katina Kennedy out with a quad injury. Fiorenza said Shuttlewood had showed versatility as she played goal keeper in the reserves and did an “absolute treat” of filling the new role.

Aztecs will be looking for revenge as Pumas beat them in both the senior and junior top grades last year to make a clean sweep. They won the senior one grand final 45-40 and the junior one contest 41-37.

This season’s junior one final will feature two mother-and-daughter combinations.

Nat Schultz will coach her daughter Mikenna Schultz, who will be Pumas Blue captain.

Naomi Larter will be coaching Pumas Green, captained by daughter Indi Larter.

Kazuals play Lightning in the senior four grand final.

Pumas Blue are through to three junior finals in total — they will play Aztecs in junior three and Breezes in junior seven.

Lightning Red play Kazuals in junior five.

Hannah Trusso turned on the goals against Kazuals in last Friday’s preliminary final, with Pumas winning 61-44.