The Run Home:
WENTWORTH (1st 14-0 198.69%)
AS THIS season’s powerhouse, the Roos have dominated the court, remaining undefeated. Wentworth have finished most games at least 30 points ahead of their opposition, their highest being 59 points against Red Cliffs. The only team to break under a 20-point margin was third-placed Ouyen United, who finished 15 points behind the Roos in round two and 11 points behind in round 11. On Saturday the side takes on South Mildura, who have just lost to both Mildura and Ouyen United, before playing against Robinvale Euston. It is likely the Roos will continue their winning streak, with no opposition team able to penetrate the team’s polished gameplay. Playing coach Amanda Edwards has been a driving force for the team, leading by example with a strong performance in goals every week. Her accuracy ensures every opportunity at goal is capitalised on. The Roos also boast versatility, able to move players from each end of the court as needed. Wentworth’s best players include attack players Molly Mangan and Elizabeth Rowe and defence players Natalie Vercher and Christie Becker.
MILDURA (2nd 13-2 129%)
THE Demons found their feet quickly this season, improving strongly straight off the bat. Under the leadership of co-playing coaches Sharon Watson and Jess McNamara, the team has solidified their spot on the ladder, only seeing defeat from Wentworth. Despite a few close games, the side has always been able to remain level-headed and secure the win. With a bye on Saturday, Mildura’s biggest threat heading into finals will be Ouyen United. The two teams come up against each other next week and will most likely meet again in the preliminary finals. It’s expected that the team’s key players McNamara, Kaitlyn Challis, Alexandra Leng and Zara Copley will continue their strong form as the team eyes off the premiership.
OUYEN UNITED (3rd 10-3 116.32%)
THE Kangas have had an interrupted season this year, losing players to injury and illness week after week. But nevertheless, the side has maintained their strong form to earn third spot. Keeping their losing margins small against both Wentworth and Mildura, the side may fire back hard to secure some big wins before the season’s end. The team’s consistent players, such as Catherine Brown, Ellen Morrish, Tsharni Burns and Tayla Willsmore, have adapted each week to their ever-changing teammates, switching up their strategies as needed, which will help the side if they don’t have a set seven come finals. Being the only team to get close to Wentworth, Ouyen United could be a good match for the team if they were to meet in the grand final. The Kangas, however, would have to defeat South Mildura and most likely Mildura in the semi final and then prelim final. The side is unlikely to have any problems on Saturday, taking on bottom-of-the-ladder Robinvale Euston.
SOUTH MILDURA (4th 7-6 96.75%)
SOUTH Mildura have climbed their way back to fourth spot on the ladder after dropping behind Irymple early this season. The side have shown significant improvement and are a much stronger team heading into the final weeks, where they will face off against Wentworth and Merbein. Playing against the Roos on Saturday, the team will have to pull out all the stops to stand a chance, utilising key players such as Tayla Sellens, Morna Naquto, Rubie Cope and Raquel Ban. The team’s only slight worry at the moment is Irymple who will need two big margin wins to overtake them, if South don’t secure a win this week or next. It is likely South will meet with Ouyen United in the semi-final.
IRYMPLE (5th 5-8 91.50%)
IRYMPLE dropped from fourth to fifth in the second half the season, following some key losses to South Mildura and Merbein. Irymple had strong potential to contest South for fourth spot, before the one-point loss against Merbein in round 15, which came after three losses to the top three teams. Despite falling to fifth, the side has continued to show strength, with defenders Kasey Caristo and Jorja Delcastegne and attackers Shakara Delcastegne and Sherrie Geister performing well this season. Irymple’s form will be put to the test on Saturday against Imperials, as the sides fight it out to potentially determine whether Imps can jump up and steal Irymple’s position. The Swallows meet with Red Cliffs next week and, if they lose to Imperials this week, have a chance to steal their fifth spot back.
IMPERIALS (6th 5-9 81.65%)
IMPERIALS had a keen eye on finals and pushed hard to try to jump up the ladder. However, an abandoned game last week blew the team’s chances of making it to finals, with only Saturday’s game left before a bye. The team has had some close games, including a two-point loss to South, but they also had some big losses, including a 27-60 loss to Ouyen United. The team, however, has been coming back strongly with determination and this week’s match against Irymple will determine if they can jump into fifth spot before the bye. Defender Meg McManus, centre-player Alle Littore and shooter Kia Scott are expected to perform well for the team again on Saturday.
MERBEIN (7th 3-9 84.62%)
THE Magpies came back stronger during the second half of the season, jumping up a spot on the ladder, overtaking Red Cliffs. The side has shown it’s a serious contender, especially during round 15, when the Magpies defeated Irymple, and round 9, when they drew with South Mildura. With playing-coach Breigh Hammet out after suffering a compound fracture last week, the side will be relying on key players such as Stephanie White, Allira and Johannah Gray. Against Red Cliffs this week, the team will likely be looking to secure their seventh spot, especially after an abandoned game last week. Next weekend, the side meet South, who will be hunting for a final win before finals.
RED CLIFFS (8th 3-11 67.54%)
THE Tigers came into this season hungry for a win. Securing three wins so far, the side are looking for at least one more up against Merbein this week or Irymple next week. The side had a much stronger first half of the season win wise, but have performed on the court better during the second half. They could give Merbein a scare on Saturday and potentially jump up a spot, as their form continues to improve. Yelena Richardson and Sarah Carn have been key players for the side, along with young guns Jazmin Parker and Jacqulyn Bell.
ROBINVALE EUSTON (9th 1-13 74.67%)
ROBINVALE Euston entered the second-half of the season winless, but managed to snag a win in round 13 against Red Cliffs. Playing against Ouyen United and Wentworth this week and next, it is unlikely they will be able to get another, but anything is possible. Shakira Hingano has been a star player for the side, followed by Corinne Best, Georgie Kelly and Georgia Giofrelle.
