West Coast Thunder won six out of the eight round robin games to finish top of the ladder before winning their two finals games to take the trophy.
The team got off to a strong start in the tournament with three big wins including a 15-goal victory against defending champions NSW.
From there, WA only faltered in games against a strong Victoria side and Queensland but weathered the challenges to remain top of the table.
No team scored more goals than the Thunder as they shot to five wins by a margin of more than 10 goals including three over 20-goal victories.
WA were able to win their first finals game in exciting fashion beating Victoria 40-38 in a tight affair. The win secured WA a direct spot in the Grand Final but the two teams would meet again as the Vics won their Preliminary Final to set up a thrilling finale.
Thunder ultimately got their hands on the championship with a 42-36 win, securing the trophy after a gruelling 10-game, seven-day campaign.
West Coast Thunder Goal Shooter and West Coast Fever Training Partner Jerome Gillbard said the win was a culmination of seven years of hard work.
“Winning the trophy was a bit surreal, even the next couple of days didn't really feel like it happened to be honest, it was almost like a fairy tale ending,” Gillbard said.
“We’ve been back in the competition for seven years and when we started back, we lost every game by 20 plus goals and that was hard back then.
“Every year since we’ve developed and grown to a point finally where we thought we were there abouts.”
With the Thunder Head Coach Lorraine Ward retiring after the tournament, Gillbard, who plies his trade for the West Coast Warriors in the GIG WANL competition, said the close of the tournament brought a mix of emotions.
“There was obviously the joy, the happiness and the pride in the success, but also, I just understand this is the end of an era,” he said.
“It was a huge reward for us for all the hard work. I was so excited and so happy that Lorraine got to go out on a win exactly like she deserves.”
It was the first time since 2007 that the National Championships were held in Perth and Gillbard, who is also the President of the West Coast Men’s and Mixed Netball Association, said the win coming at home made it all the sweeter.
“On an individual level it was huge. It meant so much and I know that that meant the same for every single person,” he said.
“From a men's netball space, the more exposure we can get to the sport is huge in terms of participation, development, depth and athletes so I think it’s a hugely successful time for us.”
The 23/U Team also had a strong performance in the Nationals, only falling at the final hurdle in a heartbreaking one-goal loss to Victoria after topping the table.
Players from both the Men’s Open and 23/U will be in action this weekend for their GIG WANL Clubs.
Article By. Oliver Lane
