THE next month will prove a litmus test for Merbein to see where they are at in the SFNL A Grade netball standings.
After an important win against Mildura last week, the Magpies sit sixth on the table, just four points behind third-placed Imperials, albeit having played more games.
Under new coach Breigh Hammet, Merbein travel to Underbool to face reigning champions Ouyen United. After a bye next week they then face Wentworth, South Mildura (who are also fighting for top four), Imperials and Irymple.
Centre Sophie Koschitzke and wing defence Stephanie White were important players during the two-goal win over the Demons last week and will be required again.
The Kangas have been doing what they need to do each week, with their only loss coming at the hands of undefeated Wentworth, who they face again next week.
Coming off the bye, the girls in blue and white will be refreshed and ready to go, certainly boasting one of the best defensive duos in the competition in Tsharni Burns and Catherine Brown.
To keep themselves in the hunt for finals, South Mildura face a must-win game over Robinvale Euston.
While the Bulldogs are coming off a strong win over Red Cliffs, tight losses of a combined five goals to Imperials and Irymple leave them in fifth and scrambling for the top four.
Sarah Telfer and Aimee Ryan are becoming a solid shooting partnership, but will be coming up against tough opponents in Maria Absalom and Corinne Best for the Eagles.
Mildura are also fighting to keep their season alive, so facing the top-of-the-table Roos has not come at a great time.
The young Demons outfit will rue the close loss to Merbein last week, although they would be happy with the form of of some of their up-and-comers like Zara Copley and Alex Leng.
Wentworth have very few weak spots and will likely be on the way to another victory.
Imperials will look to consolidate themselves inside the top three with victory over Red Cliffs.
Ebony Littore and Meg McManus played starring roles in last week’s win over Irymple, while Maddie Allen and Brianna Hibberd are flying the flag in another tough season for the Tigers.
