Sport
18 September, 2019
Hammond picks up league’s top award
COBDEN wing attack Amy Hammond is hoping to cap off an already memorable week with the club’s first open netball premiership on Saturday.
COBDEN wing attack Amy Hammond is hoping to cap off an already memorable week with the club’s first open netball premiership on Saturday.
The 20 year-old, who grew up around the club, helped her side’s preparations get off to a strong start by taking out the open best and fairest on Sunday.
She became the third Bomber in two years to win the award after Nadine McNamara and Sophie Hinkley tied for first last season.
Hammond admitted she gave herself little hope of winning entering the count and was surprised with the outcome.
However, she said she was honoured to be recognised as the league’s best player for 2019.
“I didn’t think I was going to win it,” she said.
“I was winning for most of it and towards the end it started to get close but I definitely wasn’t expecting it.
“I’m pretty honoured, it’s exciting and I’m pretty happy about it.”
Hammond has been a key cog for the Bombers at wing attack, providing energy and excitement as the side’s link between the mid-court and the goal circle.
She credited consistency within her game as the reason behind her victory.
“I’ve probably been pretty consistent, that’s probably helped me with my year,” she said.
Hammond’s attention has already shifted quickly to her side’s upcoming grand final, with the Bombers set to meet Koroit in the decider for the second year running.
“We’re really excited to take on Koroit again especially having lost to them in last year’s grand final,” she said.
“We’re all just eager to get out there this year and to try and win it, we’re all up and about and positive.”
The two clubs have met twice this season, with Cobden winning both outings by narrow margins.
Hammond said she expected Saturday’s game to be no different, wary of the Saints’ experience on the big stage.
“They’re going to be really tough to beat and it’ll be a close game,” she said.
“They’re experienced, controlled and steady so we have to make sure we play our way.
“And we have to make sure we are controlled and steady (when we have the ball) which will benefit us too because they’re such an experienced side.”
As for last year’s loss, Hammond said the group was keen to make amends but added the talk of doing so was minimal.
She said they were eager to go out and achieve history for the club, with the Bombers still yet to taste premiership glory in the open netball section.
“With a new coach we don’t speak about it much I guess but secretly we’re all thinking about it,” she said.
“It’d be pretty good (to win), not only for the club but also for the community.
“It would be awesome.”