CARDROSS, the big improvers in the early going of this Millewa Football Netball League A Grade netball season, will be out to gain a little more breathing room on the bunched chasing pack when they head off to Lake Cullulleraine and a tricky date with Meringur today.
The Lions, who finished fourth last season with a 6-9 record, are second on the 2025 ladder with a 3-1 mark – just behind undefeated Bambill – and will be keen to add another notch in the win column against the Kangaroos (2-2).
It will be no easy task for the visitors, but they are playing with confidence and came from behind last week to pip premiers Nangiloc by a goal to show they have grit as well.
Sure, Nangy are winless so far this year but appear to be rediscovering some of that ’24 form.
Leading the way for the Lions this campaign have been shooter Tamara Hamence and mids Bronte Burgess and Skye Saunders, but they have been solid in all sections of the court.
Meringur were outclassed by Bambill last week but should not be under-estimated and a win today would see them pull level on points with Cardy.
Defender Bella Connell, centre/wing attack Susan Wilson and Emily Birch under the net are among the team’s leading lights.
The Saints should keep their winning streak intact when they head over to 1-3 Gol Gol.
Last year’s minor premiers are dominant at both ends of the court and have laid down a clear marker.
Tessa Houkamau and Tayla Davison-Amao have proved potent in the circle while the experienced Breigh Hammet and Paige Valinoti have been sturdy in defence.
Gol Gol will be hoping to push the leaders through persistent efforts from keeper Emily Phillips, winger Montana Treffene, centre Maka Clarke and Co, but it will be a mighty tough task.
Reigning champs Nangolic have gotten off to a horror start this season and are winless at the bottom of the standings, but they did show some signs of a recovery last week in a tough loss to Cardross and will be fervently chasing that breakthrough win this week when they host Werrimull.
The Magpies are part of the cluttered mid-table at 2-2 and should have the edge over the Demons through hot shooting Jolene Neyland, centre Erin Sell and defender Maddison Maher, but Ginine Sluiter’s revamped squad may just be about to turn the corner.
PREDICTIONS: Lions by four goals, Saints by 17, and Magpies by three
