SHEPPARTON V ROCHESTER
Shepparton will be looking to continue its winning form after it accounted for Kyabram last weekend.
The Bears have won two of its three games to be well positioned going into this contest with the ever-improving Rochester Tigers.
Rochester stormed home in the battle against its Campaspe Shire rival last week to just fall short by three goals after it was down by 14 goals at one point in the second half.
The Bears will look to the likes of Ella Sidebottom, defender, Ash Cann, Jacinta Todd and star shooter Kim Borger to guide them to a third win of the season. Tip: Shepparton.
MANSFIELD V BENALLA
Both teams will be desperate as they chase their first win of 2023.
The Eagles were beaten by the Shepparton Swans last start while the Saints were unable to match the visiting Tatura.
Eagles’ midcourters Darcy Croxford-Demasi and Bella Riley worked tirelessly against Swans last start, and they will be vital as the home team looks to get the win.
Benalla will turn to the likes of Kate Symes, Olivia Dalton and Jordie Wilcock to continue their good form to try and help the visitors to victory. Tip: Mansfield.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON UNITED
Euroa and Shepparton United will be desperate to return to the winners’ circle after both tasted defeat last round.
The Magpies were beaten by the reigning premier and United was defeated by Mooroopna.
Euroa will turn to Sophie Owen, Mia Sudomirski and Liv Morris to try and guide the Magpies to a third win of the season.
For United, this game is very important. They are currently sitting at 1-2 and would love to square the ledger.
Unfortunately, the Demons are in re-build mode following the players that departed over summer following last year’s second place finish.
They will look to two of the competition’s brightest stars in Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby to play above the age and experience to keep them competitive in 2023.
If these two young stars can fire and the others can come on the journey and put together four strong quarters, then anything is possible.
That said, I think the Pies win today. Tip: Euroa.
MOOROOPNA V SEYMOUR
Is the grand final preview? On form, you would say yes.
But both Di Hanslow and Ellie O’Sullivan are no fools. They both know that while a win is important, they know premierships are won in September, not April.
Maddie Wong was a star in her team’s big win over Shepparton United last weekend to ensure they remained undefeated.
Cats coach Di Hanslow would be pleased with how ruthless her team has been in the opening weeks of the season.
But she knows for that to continue, shooter Dayna Williams will need to be on song against Sarah Szczykulski and Bridie Cantwell.
Experienced mid-courter Bree Hanslow will be important for the Cats and her battle with Rosie O’Sullivan will be a beauty.
This game will come down to the team that makes the least amount of errors and can capitalise when it has the momentum. Tip: Seymour.
TATURA V KYABRAM
Tatura has jumped out of the blocks and is looking to make one its best starts to a season since its glory days of when it was contending for flags.
Coach Fiona Boyer has been very strategic with her summer recruiting and so far, her team hasn’t disappointed to be 3 from 3.
But she knows the tough games are going to come.
That said, it is important to bank the wins early to give you that confidence and momentum.
She will turn to shooter Jasmine Fraser, defender and former coach Molly Boyle and her daughter, Elise Boyer in the mid-court to lead the way.
Jada Richardson, Hollie Reid and Elivia Hall will be desperate to lead the Bombers to their first win of the season after three consecutive losses to start 2023.
But the task won’t be easy against the Bulldogs on their home court. Tip: Tatura.
ECHUCA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
After a first up loss for Echuca, the Murray Bombers have bounced back with back-to-back wins.
On the other hand, the Swans are back-to-back defeats to commence the new season managed to record their first win last round by overcoming Mansfield on their home courts.
Experienced Echuca trio Steph Vick, Ash Mangan and Lauren Pryde led the way for Echuca, especially when it got tight in those final stages of the narrow win against Rochester.
The Swans were on from the start against the Eagles, with Hannah Garner leading by example from the defensive ring.
Chelsea McDonald was another to play well against the Eagles while youngster Harriet Gall stood tall despite her tender age of 16.
This will be a good test for both these teams as both are vying for the September action. Tip: Echuca.
