Twelve months ago, Echuca was headed into the 15-and-under netball grand final as the third ranked side, looking to upset leader Mooroopna.
Echuca won that game, scoring the upset 53-50 and winning the flag, its third straight in the grade.
Now the Murray Bombers and Cats will face off again in the Goulburn Valley League decider, but this time it is Echuca that goes in as the top ranked club and now a three-time defending premier, while Mooroopna has come from third in an effort to challenge the leader.
The eerie similarities continue, as Echuca won earlier in the finals series over Mooroopna 43-35, the eight-goal win almost identical to the nine Mooroopna beat Echuca by during last year’s finals series before the grand final.
The Murray Bombers, led by returning coach Gina Pearson alongside co-coach Casey Frame, will look to end the chain of repeated history on Sunday, but will be wary of the only side to defeat them this year.
That loss came in the final regular season round 47-44.
Statistically, Echuca should have the advantage, having conceded almost 200 fewer goals than any other side.
Its offence, featuring last year’s best-on-court medallist Sarah Head, is also the league’s most prolific.
The 15-and-under netball will kick off GVL grand final Sunday from 8.30am at Deakin Reserve.
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