SFNL A-GRADE NETBALL MID-SEASON REPORT CARD
THE FAVOURITE
Wentworth (8-0)
The Roos have stepped out strongly and remain unbeaten this season. Ouyen United has been the only team to genuinely push Wentworth, but still went down by 15 goals in round 2. Wentworth have a percentage of 204.38, proving just how hard they are to catch. Based on the results so far, Wentworth’s only real competition for the premiership is likely to come from second-placed Mildura, who they play on Saturday, or potentially Ouyen United. But Wentworth’s depth all over the court, and with experienced playing coach Amanda Edwards a virtual goal machine, it’s hard to see the Roos being knocked off. By round five, Edwards had already scored 159 goals for the side, including a half century when the team took on Irymple. She was also selected as the team’s Best and Fairest last year and helped carry the Roos to the top of the ladder then, also unbeaten.
Predicted finish: 1st
THE CONTENDERS
Mildura (7-1)
Mildura took a blow in the first round, coming up against Wentworth and enduring a big loss. Since then the team has gone from strength to strength, winning over half their games ending with a score over 50. It was expected to be a tight game last week, when second-placed Mildura faced third-placed Ouyen United, but Mildura was able to get the upper hand and prove they deserved their top two standing. With two star basketball players in the side, in Ava Zadow and Alannah Morello, the side has got the fitness and strength to be the strongest competition to Wentworth, and Saturday’s return game against the side will give a good indication of whether the Demons have closed the gap from their opening round defeat. The Demons look well drilled and, even with a loss on Saturday, should do enough to retain second spot in the run home, an improvement on last year’s fifth-spot finish.
Predicted finish: 2nd
Ouyen United (5-2-1)
Ouyen United have shown great improvement since their first few weeks, earning themselves a spot in third. The team has a few experienced players and although they were recently still cementing the starting seven after illnesses and player changes, the Kangas could see better performances once players are settled. This improvement could see the side defeat Mildura when the pair face off again in round 18, but so much will rely on availability and form. Players such as Ellen Morrish, Catherine Brown and Tsharni Burns have shown consistently strong plays in their attacking and defending roles. and their talent could help lead the team to a higher spot on the ladder.
Predicted finish: 3rd
Irymple (4-3-1)
Beginning slow with a win and two losses, Irymple have shown major improvement. A draw with Ouyen United in round 4 sparked the turnaround and the Swallows have won their last three games to surge back into finals contention. Their scores have lifted, with recent totals of 57, 42 and 43, after slumping to 27, 31 and 32 in rounds three, four and five. If Irymple can maintain their winning streak, a second or third placing could be on the cards, especially with the consistency that comes from defender Kasey Caristo and former Horkings Medal winner Sherrie Geister, who is known for her on-court reliability.
Predicted finish: 4th
THE OUTSIDERS
South Mildura (3-4-1)
South Mildura have had an up and down season starting strong with two wins before being defeated by Red Cliffs, who had not won in eight years. They’ve defeated sides such as Irymple and Imperials but drew with Merbein. The team does have some strong young players, especially 17-year-old Morna Naquto, who was noted for her amazing performance in round three, despite the loss. As the young players develop, the Bulldogs could find their form improving under their new playing coach Georgia Chase.
Predicted finish: 5th
Imperials (3-5)
Imperials have had a mixed bag so far this season, winning in rounds one, three and seven. They seem to be on the toes of South Mildura and the pair could have a very competitive game when they meet in round 11. The side has a strong player base, with Meg McManus, Alle Littore and Kia Scott making regular appearances as the side’s best. The team has been noted to have a strong defensive side as well and with key player Scott mainly playing attack and Littore often in centre, the team has a strong balance between attacking and defending that could help lead to more wins.
Predicted finish: 7th
Red Cliffs (3-5)
Red Cliffs were the clear underdogs of this season when it began. After not winning a game in eight years, the team knew they had to put the work in to stand up and wins some games. After defeating South Mildura in round 3 by two points, the team proved they had gotten better and could be seen as a serious opponent. Under the new leadership of playing coach Steph O’Loughlin and a mix of young players, in Jazmin Parker and Jacqulyn Bell, and experienced players in Sarah Carn and Yelena Richardson, the team is working towards playing as a unit and sustaining four solid quarters. After no wins last year and a very young side, the team seems to have found balance under the new coach. With further improvement, Red Cliffs could potentially secure some more wins against the likes of South Mildura and Imperials, bumping themselves up a spot or two.
Predicted finish: 6th
Merbein (1-6-1)
Merbein secured their first and only win during round one against Robinvale Euston. From there, the mostly young team, that consists of key players such as Emily, Sophie and Allira Gray, Rebecca Harvey and powerhouse player Stephanie White, had some lower scoring games. But the team is returning in full form with some tight, competitive scores in the last few weeks. With a strong defensive talent in White and shooting talent in Harvey, who finished up last year with the third-most goals, the team could really be on the up and become one to watch, especially after the draw with South Mildura last week.
Predicted finish: 8th
Robinvale Euston (0-8)
Robinvale Euston had a slow start to the season, unable to match their competitors. But improvement is key and the team may soon find its way to its first win. The team may give Merbein a run for their money today, despite Merbein’s recent improvement, and potentially secure their first win. The side has talented players that play competitively on a consistent basis. Shakira Hingano, Georgia Giofrelle and Corinne Best are often standout performers. The team also has talent in Mia Brigante, Tayisha Ricker, Paris Hingano and Isabelle Giofrelle, who have been selected as best on in the last few weeks.
Predicted finish: 9th
