ECHUCA V MANSFIELD
This will be an interesting match-up. When these teams clashed six weeks ago, the reigning premier had a big win. But since then, the teams have enjoyed vastly different paths, with Echuca only winning one game since that day against Rochester last round, which ended a run of defeats for them.
This is a big test for the Eagles and I am just not sure they can claim the scalp of the reigning premier. Tip: Echuca.
SEYMOUR V KYABRAM
Seymour is looking to make it two wins on the bounce when it welcomes the winless Kyabram to the Kings Park courts. The Lions have had a patchy start to the season, with only two wins to date.
That said, the Lions have had some good quarters even in their defeats to Tatura and Shepparton. Tip: Seymour.
SHEPPARTON UNITED V TATURA
This will be an intriguing match-up between two teams vying to play finals in September. Both sit on 12 points after five rounds – the Demons in fourth and Dogs in fifth.
Tatura has lost twice – to Mooroopna and Euroa, the two undefeated teams and favourites for the 2024 premiership. United has lost twice – once to archrival Shepparton and then again last weekend to cross-town rival the Shepparton Swans.
I expect this to be a good game of netball and co-coach Elsie Boyer will be looking to Jasmine Fraser, Molly Boyle and Molly Kennedy to continue their good form to try and get the upper hand on the home team.
This will be a real arm wrestle and I am leaning towards the visitors to take the points. Tip: Tatura.
SHEPPARTON SWANS V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton Swans will welcome the challenge of the third placed Shepparton. The Shepparton Swans have been good value despite sitting in ninth place with only two wins. They have played some of the league’s best teams so far and come up short while Shepparton has won four of its opening five games.
The Bears did suffer a massive reality check when beaten by premiership fancy Euroa to the tune of 35 goals last round. The Swans have also lost to Euroa.
I think Shepparton can bounce back to consolidate its place at the top end of the ladder. Tip: Shepparton.
ROCHESTER V MOOROOPNA
This is a big challenge for Rochester as it looks to try and get its season back on track after successive losses. And, the task of doing that doesn’t get an easier when it welcomes the undefeated and top of the ladder Mooroopna.
Mooroopna has been solid but coach Di Hanslow will get a better gauge of where her team sits in the pecking order when it has come up against some the top echelon of teams. So far, the Cats have come up against two finalists from last year and she would acknowledge the Echuca win was against a very different team that claimed the 2023 title.
Mooroopna will look to Shelby Britten, Mia Fallon and Asha Gray to lead the way after stand out games in the win over Tatura.
If they can continue that good form, then I think the Cats will be too strong for the Tigers. Tip: Mooroopna.
EUROA V BENALLA
Euroa will be looking to continue its undefeated start to the season when it welcomes the winless Benalla. Benalla has been competitive for periods of its five losses in 2024, but to be any chance of causing a boil-over it will need to play four strong quarters.
I think the Pies should be too strong for the Saints. Tip: Euroa.
