Sting Claim Third Place in ANL

The Western Sting recorded a convincing 54-36 win over NSW Waratahs to claim third place in the 2014 ANL campaign.

The result equalled WA’s best ever finish to an ANL season and was set up by a dominant opening term. WA led the Waratahs 19-5 at the first break and were 20 goals clear at half-time.

Sting coach Stacey Rosman was pleased that her side executed their game plan for the full 60 minutes and came away with a third-placed finish, equalling the state’s 2011 and 2012 overall season standing.

“One of the things we focused on was WA just doesn’t want to be happy with a top four placing, we actually wanted to win a final,” Rosman said.

“That’s something we’re changing in the culture over in the west. We want to be a real force to be reckoned with and to do that you have to win finals. We had a really strong mentality as to the brand of netball that we want to play and it was about executing that in those situations.”

WAIS shooting pair Kaylia Stanton and Kate Beveridge performed well for the Sting, contributing 30 and 18 goals respectively for the WA outfit.

There was further success for the Sting, after mid-courter Ashleigh Brazill was jointly named ANL Player of the Year.

The former Australian Diamonds squad member will also be a key part of the Australian Fast5 Flyers campaign at November’s Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand.

After an injury-interrupted season with West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship, Brazill said she’s enjoyed the opportunity to play with some of Western Australia’s bright young talent.

“I’m very excited to come back after injury and come into a team of great young players,” Brazill said.

“This (award) isn’t just a credit to me but to our whole team. I’ve loved every minute of the ANL and I think it’s a great stepping stone for players going onto ANZ Championship.”

– Netball Aus