Imperials, Storm, Suns and Roos prepare for RMNA finals

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The River Murray Netball Association's finals are set to start this weekend with two major games in the A grade.

Imperials took top spot over Mallee Districts thanks to percentage, so they will face off this Saturday.

Southern Suns followed in third place and Mannum Roos just gained the fourth spot over the Mypolonga Tigers.

Here's our preview of how things might go down.

Imperials v Mallee Districts Storm

The qualifying final will pit top-of-the-ladder team Imperials against a team they've yet to defeat, Mallee Districts.

Storm A grade coach Shayelan Paech said she was excited to see her team make finals in the top two.

"The team is well prepared and are looking to not get ahead of themselves by rushing play," she said.

Carrie Daniels, Imperials' A-grade coach, said her team was excited to come out firing with a team at full strength for finals.

"Obviously every side is hoping to start well ... it puts you on the front foot but also in saying that it's not all doom and gloom ... as you've got 60 more minutes," she said.

Storm goalies Abbi Paech, Jacoba Clough and Tenille Gray will need to optimise their space, holding and accuracy skills against highly skilled Imperials defender Lucy Harkness.

Katelin Kneebone, who is new to Imps this season, will join the defensive line up as a strong, tight player with a great pressure over the shot.

Storm's pocket rocket Jessica Kerr (WA) will be hard to keep up with as she gets the centre pass from her teammate Kiarra Paech (C), who also shows quick determination in both attack and defensive roles.

Chelsea Burns (C) will help storm control Storm's mid court, although Olivia Bolt's experience and high skill levels will make it an even match-up.

Also in mid court for Imps is Sarah Stephensen, as an extremely versatile she has great feeding and defensive vision.

As Storm's wing defence, Georgia Ballard will give her all while supporting Shayelan Paech (GD) and Madelaine Farley (GK) as they get tips from their consistent communication.

Although both are fairly new to A grade goals, Ally Wendelborn and Kalarie Doecke both provide accurate shots and strong body for Imps.

Ms Daniels said it was great to have the new clubs that had come into the association coming at the top of the ladder.

The match is set to start at 3.20pm on Saturday at Lameroo.

"It'd be nice to get that win and just go straight through and know that we're guaranteed to be in the grand final," Ms Paech said.

Southern Mallee Suns vs Mannum Roos

The 2024 netball season hasn't been all smooth sailing for both the Southern Suns and Mannum Roos coming up to the elimination final this Sunday.

The Suns have only just got their full team back together and playing again after nearly six weeks of ups and downs.

Rosslyn May, Mannum A grade coach, said her team had had its fair share of illness and injuries, with centre player Amy Schultz suffering a season-ending injury.

In the first round Suns took the win easily with a 29-goal lead.

In their most recent match Mannum's quick disposal into attack, paired with the Suns having two goalies out, meant a small one-goal loss for the Roos.

Danielle Nickolls, Suns A grade coach, said she had the utmost confidence in her girls and their skills.

The Suns will be looking to slow down the Roos' attacking end with strong leadership and positioning from goal shooter Phoebe Wegener paired with Shohan Fidge's (GA) control into the ring.

Olivia Clark at goal keeper for the Suns will be the game changer if she can effectively direct and talk with teammate Tayla Guthrie (GD), whose long reach helps deflect many balls.

Brydie Sims' new role at wing attack has provided Mannum with a fierceness edge and paired with Kim O’Malley (C) Mannum goalies have an accurate feed.

Although if Hannah Nitschke's (WD) quick reactiveness gains a turnover she won't waste it thanks to her great vision and control down the court.

Nitschke will be looking to pass into attackers Brie Abernethy (C) and Abbie Keough (WA) who provide determination and accurate passing into the ring.

With Emmeline Ogilvie, Bec Oakley and Hannah Sexton as the Sun's three rotating goalies, they plan to make it difficult for defenders to adapt.

Mannum's goal defence and keeper duo Kellie McGorman and Natasha Vivian will be using their quick movements and reliable determination to intercept.

And Emily Paech's (WD) support along the ring will be invaluable with her agility and ability to read play.

To keep the Suns' feet fresh they will be utilising Natasha Venning's versatility with tactical plays throughout the game.

"The Suns are a competitive and skilful side, and our matches against each other are enjoyable," Ms May said.

"If the last time we met is anything to go by, it will be intense and well contested."

The two teams face off at 3.20pm on Sunday at the Jervois netball courts.

"I think it's just going to come down to quality and class on the day and if you're playing well," Ms Nickolls said.

Disclosure: The author plays for Mannum in a lower grade and will be cheering for them in the finals.