Magpies primed for improvement

RETURNING from an early season bye, Merbein are ready to fire back into action for a tough SFNL contest against South Mildura at Kenny Park on Saturday.

The Magpies finished last season in seventh place with four wins, ten losses and two draws.

This year the team have returned stronger, securing a round one win against last year’s runners-up, Ouyen United.

The side then faced a 13-goal loss against dynamo team Mildura, before last week’s bye.

Coach Breigh Hammet said she believed her team had started well, but stated it was hard to gauge given they had only had the chance to play two games.

She said it was positive, however, to see the team improve and stated she was impressed by the talent of the girls, who are a mix of new and existing players.

“I love watching how Sophie Kroehn has fitted seamlessly into the team’s dynamic,” she said.

“I also love watching the likes of Liv (Olivia) Bowden establish herself as a solid A grade player that offers speed and versatility.

“Zali McMonnies has offered another steady shooting option which means we can have some team versatility that we haven’t had in the past couple of seasons.”

Hammet said it was unfortunate to have a bye so early on in the season, but regardless, she hoped the girls would maintain strong pressure.

“Byes can be great to break up the season but the first one so early on is always hard,” she said.

“It’s nice to have a run of games in a row to get settled with structure.

“I am hoping the team will bring a high-pressure contest (on Saturday) whilst settling in attack to maintain possession when we do get our defensive turnovers.”

South Mildura have also had a strong start to the season, settling into third position on the ladder, with a win against both Irymple and Imperials and only a loss against powerhouse Wentworth.

South players Tayla Sellens and Sharne Lane have performed well for the team, being recognised for their skill during the first three rounds.

Hammet said she was expecting a tough contest, as she does every week, but dynamics were different this year making games hard to predict.

“There has been such a change (and) movement of players across a number of clubs that we have no idea how we will match up each week,” she said.

“If we approach each game with a healthy respect for all opposition teams, we are realistic.”

In Saturday’s other games, Wentworth will be taking on Red Cliffs at George Gordon Oval.

Red Cliffs also copped an early bye in round 2, but managed to start the season with a draw against Imperials.

Following a loss to Robinvale Euston last weekend, the side will be eager to give their all against the unbeaten Wentworth.

Robinvale Euston will be aiming to get their second win after last week’s achievement, taking on Irymple at Hinshilwood Oval.

Irymple have lost two games, against South Mildura and Mildura, and won one against Ouyen United.

In the day’s final game, Mildura will take on Ouyen United, who are currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder with no wins.

Ouyen United were a strong force on the court last year, almost defeating Wentworth in the grand final.

The team appears to still be finding its feet on the court this season and will be looking for a first win against Mildura, who had yet to be defeated after a round 1 bye.