West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan rues sides failure to execute in grand final heartbreaker

West Australian

a day ago

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan has put last night's devastating grand final loss down to 'small margins and small moments'.
'We did enough to create them at times and we just didn't execute the moments on grand final day.
'It wasn't our day today.'
The Fever trailed at every break. Down five goals at three-quarter time in front of a loud pro-Vixens crowd playing in their home town, the Fever nearly snatched victory, with a 15-goal to 11 final term but ultimately fell one short.
Ryan said it came down to execution not tactics.
'I think we put ourselves in great moments and great opportunities, and we just weren't executing in those moments, which would have made a massive difference to scoreboard pressure, confidence, momentum,' he said.
'So the game plan was there, and the game plan put us in positions to take control of the game or swing momentum in our way.
'But you know, the first part is having the game plan, the second part is executing the moments that matter.'
The Fever lost their first game since round two in the game that mattered most, winning a record 13 games in succession leading into the decider.
But Ryan did not believe their dominance counted against them.
'No, not really. I think it's an easy thing to fall into when you put it in that perspective,' he said.
'But at training, every single week, we're in those scenarios.
'And yes it's different on game day … but if we would have executed today in certain moments, we would have been up at quarter-time, or we would have been up at half-time or in a better position on the scoreboard.
'So we put ourselves in those uncomfortable situations and we were playing against a team that was incredibly spirited, and all seven positions in the Vixen squad, they were on.
'Every single one was on, so they were hard to break. And you know, just when those moments, few and far between came, it just wasn't us getting it right in that moments that mattered most. So that's probably the part that hurts.
'We've been very good across the course of the season in doing that, and that's why we've been dominant.
'But it's about doing it on grand final day, and it just wasn't the performance that we were capable of today, which is tough to swallow.
'I think, first and foremost, credit where it is due. The vixens were elite in every position today and they were relentless in defence and just patient and clinical in attack, and had us under pressure from the very first moment to the very last moment.
'And I think whilst we certainly didn't play our best netball today, I don't think they allowed us at certain times.
'And then I think probably upon reflection and even just a feeling throughout the game, we just weren't making the most of moments when we had them.'
'The grand final is all about small margins and small moments.'
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard shot 52 goals at 100 per cent including one super goal.
For the Vixens, Kiera Austin finished with 26 goals, had 23 goals assists and was named player of the match.
But Ryan did not think the game was won on super goal, despite the Fever not nailing one until late in the game.
'Well, I guess we won one point netball and lost super shot netball,' he said.
'So for sure, it plays an element to it. But you know, we still had a chance in that last quarter to level the game and put them under enormous pressure and see what they were going to do.
'We had two cracks at that moment. We didn't nail it. So super shot will always be a talking point in the game, but I don't think it was the difference between either side today.'
West Coast Fever captain Jess Anstiss told the record crowd of 15,013 the players were inspired by the swathe of green that snaked through the crowd.
'The green army whether here or at home, you guys were absolutely insane today, we love your support and thank you to everyone who has come across,' she said.
'We will be back stronger next season.
'I know we will tod the come back better next year.'
It was an emotional win for the Vixens who were farewelling their coach Simone McKinnis after 13 years at the helm.
Vixens captain Kate Moloney describe McKinnis as 'an incredible leader'.
'This club will not be the same without you,' she said.
'When you waked into the doors 13 years ago you taught us how hard we have to work and showed us some tough love.
'We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.
'We will miss you but this one is definitely for you.'
Moloney also praised the Fever for their record breaking season.
'You guys have set the benchmark all year we knew we would have to bring our absolute best to get over the line this year.'