KYABRAM V BENALLA
This is a fantastic opportunity for these two teams to chalk up their first win of 2024.
Neither have been able to get that elusive first win despite playing some competitive netball throughout the year.
Benalla was beaten by 34 goals last round by the improving Shepparton Swans while Kyabram played one of its best games of the year despite going down to the highly fancied Shepparton.
Ella Sheehan, Nat Pritchard and Chloe Elliott were important in the attacking third for the Saints. And they will need to deliver again for the Saints to be in front at the final whistle.
Jemma Hall was a standout for Kyabram in its 20-goal loss to Shepparton. The Bombers debuted two of the club’s promising juniors in Ava Pell and Rose Cunningham, which gave its followers a look into the future.
If Abby Waasdorp and Isla Carver can continue their good form through the mid-court, then it will give the Bomber goalers a chance to put the score on the board.
This is a flip of the coin and I am going for Kyabram by less than 5 goals. Tip: Kyabram.
SHEPPARTON SWANS V TATURA
The Shepparton Swans will be looking to continue its charge towards the top six when it takes on the third placed Tatura on its home courts.
The Swans had a big win over Benalla by 34 goals thanks largely to the efforts of shooter Natasha Atkinson-Brown with 59 goals. Two of the club’s promising juniors, Tazmyn Stovell and Remi Bruton had standout games against Benalla and they will need to play well if given the opportunity by the coaching staff. Sophie Garner and Ella Cirillo will be others that will be important for the Swans.
Tatura sit third after a 41-all draw with Echuca. Julia Clarke and Charlotte Gray combined really well for Tatura in the attacking third. Elise Boyer was important through the mid-court while Jasmine Fraser was important in marshalling the defence when it got tight in the finish.
Fraser’s battle with Atkinson-Brown could prove pivotal to deciding who is in front around 4pm.
For mine, I think the Bulldogs have too much to lose with defeat so I think they can get the job done to remain in the top 3.
Tip: Tatura.
ECHUCA V SHEPPARTON
This should be a fantastic game of netball and one that will no doubt help shape the top six in 2024.
Shepparton shooter Kim Borger was as ruthless as ever in goals in the win over Kyabram, shooting 24 goals before sitting out the second half. Genna Ogier and Sophie Harmer combined to steer the ship in the second half to ensure a 20-goal win.
This is definitely good coaching by the Bears to be trying many combinations in the front third as it prepares them for September. Paigan Impey was another to contribute in the win and she will be looking to continue her good form against the Murray Bombers.
Lauren Jones and Ash Mangan in defence will have the task of curbing the influence of Borger while Greta Pearson through the mid-court will play an important role to ensure she can get on top to limit supply.
Belinda Lees and the returning Steph Vick will be important in the front third as will Holly Chadwick to help the reigning premier to an important four points. Tip: Echuca.
SHEPPARTON UNITED V SEYMOUR
This is a massive game in the context of shaping the top six. Seymour sits in sixth place with 20 points while United is in eighth with 20 points. These teams are only separated by percentage and a win for United could lift them into the top six if the Swans lose to Tatura or they win by more than the Swans if they defeat Tatura.
Ellie Fuhrmeister was solid as usual for the Lions with 21 goals in the team’s loss to the undefeated Euroa. Star Lions defender, Sarah Szczykulski is in really good form for the Lions in the defensive third which generally helps set up many of the Lions thrusts forward.
Tamara Skinner was important in the win over Rochester with 27 goals. She will be important in trying to get on top of Szczykulski as it could go a long way to helping the Demons overcome the visitors.
Co-coach, Laura Cole through the centre and Olivia Kirby down in the defensive third were pivotal in the win over Rochester.
If they can continue their good form, then the Demons will fancy their chances of displacing the Lions from the top six. Tip: Seymour.
MANSFIELD V ROCHESTER
This is a great opportunity for these two teams to start the second half of 2024 with a win. Both sit at 2-7 and unlikely to be featuring in September unless they can turnaround their fortunes and chalk up some wins.
Shooter Teal Hocking has returned to the attacking third for Rochester and she was strong in shooting 26 goals. Morgan Dingwell chipped in with support while Bridgette Holt continues her consistent season for the Tigers in the defensive third.
Alex Ball, Molly Rekers and Amy Dixon-Reilly did their best in the round 8 loss to the undefeated Euroa. The trio will be important if the Eagles are to chalk up a third win of 2024.
For me, this is a real opportunity and I like what the Eagles have been able to do this year. They have improved and with that I think they can sneak past the visiting Tigers. Tip: Mansfield.
MOOROOPNA V EUROA
What a cracking contest this promises to be. The best attacking team in Euroa versus the best defensive team in Mooroopna.
Euroa has dropped 586 goals in 2024 at average of 65 goals a match while Mooroopna has only conceded an average of 32 goals from its 8 matches, playing one less game than its rivals.
Mia Sudomirski and Liv Morris have been a dynamic combination for Euroa in 2024 and have been outstanding in goals.
Their battle up against Dayna Williams and Caitlin McLachlan will go a long way to deciding who is in front around 4pm.
Eliza Hoare was influential for the Magpies through the mid-court in the win over Seymour.
Her battle with Rhani Hendy will be decisive and whoever can get on top could ensure enough supply for the shooters to do their business.
Ellie Warnock and Tylah Marchbank will be important for the Magpies as they look to remain undefeated.
Their battle with Ash Lancaster and Jacqui Ball will be pivotal.
If they can minimise the influence of the Cat goalers, then I think Euroa will remain undefeated. Tip: Euroa.
