WA Netball League grand final the highlight of career so far for rising Albany and East Freo Sharks shooter

Talented Albany netballer Jade Dimer says playing in the WA Netball League 20-and-under grand final on Friday for East Freo Sharks will be the highlight of her netball career thus far. The rising shooter made the transition to Perth last year to pursue netball and is already reaping the rewards in her first season in WA’s premier competition. Dimer and her East Freo teammates will look to cap a superb season with victory over Rangers in the decider. After losing one regular game and finishing minor premiers the Sharks lost to Rangers in the semifinals but bounced back in last week’s preliminary final. Dimer returned from an ankle injury in the preliminary final win, starting on the court and playing a full game, which was close to her best for the season. “I can’t believe I’m playing in a grand final in my first WANL season; it’s all happened really fast but I also believe I’ve worked really hard and that’s paying off,” she said. “It’s going to be a tough game, Rangers are a great team but I think we can get the edge on them and take the win. “Playing this weekend will be the highlight of my netball journey and to win would be everything. “For me starting as a training partner to then be offered a contract, to be added to the playing roster and getting really good court time and now to be playing in a grand final is making me feel like all my hard work is paying off.” East Freo will be out for grand final revenge after going down in the same division last year. “I feel so lucky to have landed where I have with East Freo; not only are they a top club but they are such a welcoming group,” Dimer said. “I’ve had the opportunity to play with so many talented athletes and to be playing netball at this level is a dream come true and I hope to be able to take it even further in the next few years.” The 17-year-old has been in the best players a number of times this season and was feeling good after her first game back from injury. “Injuring my ankle two weeks out of finals and not being cleared to play for the first final was devastating, it really got me down,” Dimer said. “Seeing my team lose the first semi was really tough but it gave me extra motivation to come back from the injury knowing I had the chance to play in the prelim. “Coming into the prelim I wasn’t expecting to start as I’d been off for three weeks so to get the start was incredible and then to play the entire game was such a great feeling. “I think it was the best game I’ve played all season. “I was really happy to get out there and contribute for my team and help them get the win. “ I pulled up a bit sore but knowing that we have made the grand final it was all worth it.” The grand final will start at 5pm on Friday night and will be lived streamed by Netball WA’s Facebook page.