It wasn't one for the purists but when it's the last game for the title, who cares.

 

It wasn't the most attractive of basketball, but when a Championship is on the line who cares.

 

Friday night's 2016 WSBL Grand Final was a battle grind between two teams who provided entertainment by a pulsatingly close game from start to finish. 

 

Margins of 2, 3, evens and an eventual 2 point victory to the Willeton at the key intervals left fans on the edge of their seats.

 

While I make no apologies for being a staunch Wolfpack fan,  I wanted to share some simple observations from Row E, Section 102.

 

From a fan's perspective the game looked slow and early nerves will do that to the best of players- the legs aren't quite going as quick as you like and perhaps even some early apprehension my tip for the reasons why.

 

The Key Player Observations

 

The first of the key observations was Ellyce Ironmonger not in the building. Much has been said during the week on the whether or not she would be playing and those in green will forever wonder "what if". Despite that there will be a second thought coming that they almost did it without her- two points- 1 made field goal- 1 positive scoring possession the difference. 

 

Considering missing the presence of Ellyce Ironmonger, the Wolves did a terrific job on Tomlinson. She had numerous post touches on her mismatches but ended up only going 3 of 8 from the field- including 3 of those shots from the perimeter. Nikita Martin, who so often had that tough cover, was phenomenal along with her perimeter defenders who dug in to help. Fellow post player Zoe Harper on the other hand, dominated inside putting together a brilliant game of 16 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting over 50% from the field. Harper utilised her size advantage like the experienced campaigner she is and it proved hard work for the Wolves all game long. Her post presence was critical to the Tigers victory.

 

Wolves Klara Wischer and Nikita Martin were the only players to hit double figures for their team and they worked overtime to get the majority of their looks. Wischer in particular caused the Tigers headaches with their screens match-up around the high post. 

 

Kate Malpass was clutch all night. The Tiger guard hit jumper after jumper from a variety of spots and was in a real groove offensively from start to finish en route to a game high 28 points- none more important than the offensive rebound for the go ahead two pointer. Malpass was the well-deserved MVP and for a long while only the hope of an early third foul looked like her best opponent. 

 

The Numbers

 

Joondalup had 15 more shots than Willetton but only scored at 29% while the Tigers' clip finished at 40%. The Wolves will rue the fact that they missed a whole host of looks in close range and around the ring, which in a close loss, is always pivotal. 

 

Had this game gone to overtime, I'm sure some of the players would've simply played on adrenaline alone. Wolfpack starters Amos, Martin and Wischer played 40, and 38 mins apiece. For the Tigers, Malpass, Tomlinson, Antonio and Napier were all 30 minutes plus for the evening. Just goes to show that both coaches really leaned on their studs in an attempt to wrestle control of a hard fought contest. 

 

The Future

 

If the projected disbanding of this premiership Tiger team goes as predicted, then the Club will be in a unique situation of being in a "re-build" the year after their premiership. While it is a unique set of events that will see several key players depart, the hierarchy will need to be planning early as there will be some several key positions to fill.

 

For the Wolves, they will be aiming to bounce back into the Grand Final to seek redemption in 2017. They have a young outfit and provided they can keep a hold of Wischer, they will be sure to be back in contention like they are every year. Expect big things from Chelsea Belcher in the coming years.

 

Congratulations to the Willetton Tigers womens team, a hard fought contest from start to the very end. 

 

See you soon. 

Vlad Alava 

Photo by Mick Cronin