The Gold Industry Group Western Australian Netball League (GIG WANL) 2021 season concluded with the 20U, Opens and Men’s divisions battling it out in three thrilling grand final showdowns at the Gold Netball Centre in August.
The Gold Netball Centre was packed full of fans for the finals night kicking off with the 2OU (under-20s) division where the Rangers Netball Club were crowned premiers.
After defeating East Freo Sharks by 20 points, Rangers’ goal attack and wing attack Kathryn Byrne was awarded the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
In the Open division, the West Coast Warriors dominated with a three-peat, claiming their third consecutive premiership with a tight 46-41 win over the Western Roar.
Having lost only once all season, the Warriors were crowd favourites heading into the game. They faced staunch resistance from Roar who closed in at the final quarter but Warriors’ composure and consistency landed them the premiership title.
Warriors coach Lorraine Ward said she was beyond proud of the team to have achieved this win, celebrating their third consecutive premiership together.
“We all just work for the same thing for each other, we actually had a theme this year because we knew there was all the talk about how we are going to win without Nelly [Donnell Wallam]. That’s 63 goals per game we lost, and we had to completely change the front line, so we had [the theme] power, passion and premiership,” Ms Ward said.
Warriors’ Caitlyn Brown was named the grand final MVP, starring on the defensive end with a number of important rebounds and intercepts throughout the game.
The Grand Finals night finished with a bang as the Men’s division decider played out in an intense rivalry between the West Coast Warriors and the Western Roar. Warriors claimed their second consecutive premiership win after defeating Roar by 3 points, with Warriors’ Alex Fergusson bagging the MVP title.
Following the final matches, winners, officials and umpires were awarded for their achievements and contributions with medals courtesy of The Perth Mint.
Gold Industry Group Executive Officer Rebecca Johnston presented the winners with the awards and said the gold industry was proud to back the League for the third year.
“Thank you to all the players, officials and umpires for your hard work and congratulations to all the winners.
“The Gold Industry Group is thrilled to support the League and we look forward to seeing its continued growth through our long-term partnership,” Ms Johnston said.
The GIG is proud to support netball in Western Australia, thanks to members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, St Barbara Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources and The Perth Mint.
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