Mt Barker out to create history in LGSHA women’s A-grade grand final against defending champs North Albany

North Albany will be at full strength in their bid to win successive Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade premierships on Saturday afternoon. Before last year’s triumph, Redbacks had lost six of the past seven grand finals but they will face Mt Barker in their quest to go back-to-back and improve their record in deciders. Mt Barker on the other hand are aiming to win their first premiership and a shot at redemption after falling to the same opponent in last year’s grand final. Redbacks finished on top of the ladder and advanced straight through to the grand final, while Mt Barker defeated Spencer Park in the preliminary final to get to the final day. In their five encounters this season Redbacks have won the past two, Mt Barker prevailed once and the first two encounters of the season finished in draws. Redbacks coach Matt Gouldthorp said his team won’t change from the semifinal win. “We are expecting a tough encounter against Barker, the top three teams have all been very competitive this season,” he said. “We have a good balance of younger and experienced players and the experience of playing in previous grand finals can only be good. “We always have great respect for our opposition and will be looking to make the most of opportunities on the day. “We will have to keep a close eye on Laura Archer and Amy Sandilands for them. “For us Beck and Sarah Gallimore have been great and Kelly Burlikowski has been a rock in defence.” Mt Barker come into the decider on the back of a strong performance in the preliminary final. Keeper Ashlyn Gardner will be vital to their winning hopes along with captain Laura Archer, Amy Sandilands and Shamara Letter. “We have no changes and no injuries so a full team looking to win this time around,” Archer said. “I’m expecting it will be a tough game but if we carry on our performance from last week it will be an even game and anyone’s to win. “We need to keep it away from North’s top players, keep it out of the middle and use our strong half-backs and wings to play the game wide. “We have got an awesome defence so we know we can defend very well, we’ve just got to get some goals in the back of the net.” The grand final will be played at 2.30pm on Saturday.