EXPERIENCED North Warrnambool Eagles mentor Dot Jenkins knows never to underestimate an opponent.
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And this season has been no different with a close 15 and under competition setting up a tantalizing battle between her young Eagles and Jarryd Anton's Hamilton Kangaroos.
"The standard of the competition has been so tight this season," she said.
"It has been amazing and also at times quite stressful because of the tightness in the competition."
The Eagles saluted by 14 goals the first time the two sides met before the Kangaroos claimed the second encounter by one goal.
Jenkins said her side's ability to play off its instincts was the biggest improvement she had seen across the season.
"I believe in getting the basic skills right and letting the girls make their own decisions on court," she said.
"I have taught them and reinforced basic structures and letting them learn where to run and to look and see where the space is."
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The former Eagles open grade netball mentor hoped Saturday's weather conditions allowed both the sides to showcase their skills.
"I want it to be sunny for two reasons - one as no one likes standing in the rain and two because it will be a better standard of netball," she said.
"We want to see the girls play in fine weather where the standard of netball will be high."
Jenkins said no matter the result she had enjoyed the year.
"My girls are a great team and they like each other - which has made it fun," she said.
"They are a nice group and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach girls that are so keen to do well."
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