ROCHESTER VS MANSFIELD
This will be an opportunity for Rochester to chalk up a win and keep its push for a top six finish alive. The Eagles are winless in 2023 while the Tigers sit at 2-4 and six points behind sixth place Shepparton. The Tigers will look to youngster Teal Hocking in goals to lead the way. If she can have a good game along with her team-mates, then the home team should get the chocolates. Isobel Anderson and Meg Mahoney were strong performers for the Eagles in their loss to Shepparton. If they can get the supply from team-mates, then anything is possible for the visitors. Tip: Rochester.
BENALLA VS MOOROOPNA
Benalla has a massive challenge when it welcomes the undefeated and top of the ladder Mooroopna.The Cats are 6-0 having put down 268 goals and conceded only 160 against. Young gun, Sienna Burke, experienced mid-courter Maddison Wong and Asha Gray will be important for the Cats to keep the undefeated start in-tact. Olivia Dalton, Jordie Willcock and Natalie Pritchard will be doing their best to lead the way for the Saints in their bid to match the all-conquering Cats outfit. Tip: Mooroopna.
SHEPPARTON VS SHEPPARTON SWANS
This is one of those eight-point games. With Shepparton sitting six points clear of the Swans, it almost is a must win game for the visitors. A loss for the Swans and they will fall 10 points behind their rival in the race for a top six finish. Shepparton shooter Jane Cook was outstanding in the win over the Eagles in round 6. The near 2m shooter was on fire in the Bears’ comfortable win, scoring 59 goals and she is the player that will no doubt pose plenty of headaches for the Swans. Ash Cann in defence and Ella Sidebottom in goals will also be important for the Bears. Swans coach Courtney Simpson will look to Sophie Garner, Klarindah Hudson and Shinea Sali to lead the way and try to steer to victory. If Cook is available, then she just might prove the difference. Tip: Shepparton.
KYABRAM VS SEYMOUR
Kyabram faces a big challenge as it tries to record its first win of 2023 when it welcomes Seymour. The Lions are 5-1, having only lost to Mooroopna this season. The reigning premier will look to its inter-league skipper Sarah Szczykulski in defence, Courtney Aldous through the mid-court and Olivia Barry to lead the way. The Bombers will look to the ever-consistent Hollie Reid to lead the way along with shooter, Alyssa Trebilock (22 goals) and Jasmin Reid. In the end, I think the Lions will be too strong for the Bombers. Tip: Seymour.
TATURA VS EUROA
This is the match of the round and will give both teams a good gauge of where they sit in the premiership pecking order. Euroa is the highest scoring team in 2023, having scored 357 goals while Tatura is not bad in this space either having dropped 301 goals. Julia Clarke in goals, Elise Boyer through the mid-court and Molly Kennedy in the defensive third will be important for the Dogs as they look to main their undefeated start to the season. Euroa will look to Tyler Marchbank, Kellie Davidson and Sophie Owen to lead the way while shooter, Mia Sudomirski who scored 42 of team’s 59 goals in the comfortable round 6 win over Kyabram will also be important. She has been a revelation for the Magpies this season and her match-up with Jasmine Fraser will go a long way to deciding who wins the four points. Tip: Tatura.
ECHUCA VS SHEPPARTON UNITED
Echuca will be looking to consolidate its place in the top six while United will be desperate for the points to keep its flickering finals hopes burning, in a huge game for both teams. Last year’s runner-up is going through a re-build having lost some key players over the summer. That said young gun Olivia Kirby in defence, Jasmine Condliffe and Laura Cole through the mid-court have put together good seasons to date. They will have their work cut out trying to contain the Murray Bombers’ shooters Bianca Willis and Sheridan Townrow who will cause plenty of headaches for the Demons. The dynamic duo shared in 77 goals in the Murray Bombers big win over the Saints in round 6. Belinda Lees was also important in contributing 15 goals by feeding the shooters who had a day out. If she can do that again, then the Demons will struggle to go with them. Tip: Echuca.
