Roos focus on full court defence

SOUTH Mildura will have a whole-court defensive approach when they front up against powerhouse outfit Wentworth on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and the Roos, who both secured wins in last week’s opening round, will battle it out today in what is expected to be a competitive encounter.

Wentworth, who haven’t lost a game since the 2019 grand final, have proven they are still a side to be worried about this year when they defeated Robinvale Euston 78-30 last weekend.

“We are coming off a really good win at the weekend, the girls are definitely up and about and excited for this weekend,” playing coach Amanda Edwards said.

“Our defensive end is really firing at the moment so we are really happy with how all that is tracking.”

Bulldogs coach Sally Moore said her team were also feeling good following their 42-34 win against Irymple last weekend, but not just because of the scoreboard.

“I think it was just taking credit for the hard work they have put in, playing the first game and feeling well connected with each other despite being a very new side,” she said.

“They are feeling confident in each other’s roles and I was personally thrilled with how they attacked the ball on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing them (this week) and in the next few weeks continue to add further to what they did and what they haven’t been doing at training.”

Moore said every player on the court would be key in shutting down the reigning premiers.

“The capacity to shut a side down is not a defender’s job, it is a defensive job right from the goal shooter to the goal keeper,” she said.

“That is what Wentworth themselves do very well. It is their whole-court pressure.”

Edwards said full-court defence was something the Roos would be focusing on.

“As a unit we try and work together and get the job done so it doesn’t just come down to one person,” she said.

“Just creating that pressure and having that momentum coming our way and controlling the game.”

Edwards said she was also hoping for an “all-around performance” from everyone this weekend and praised shooter Liz Rowe for her role in the round 1 win.

“(Liz) being a target in the goal circle is a big thing for us,” she said. “It releases the pressure off everyone else in front of her.

“Hopefully she will have another really good game this weekend.”

Moore said that regardless of the result, the game would be a great opportunity for South to learn from the competition’s benchmark team.

“I am just looking forward to playing Wentworth, they are a great side because they are a great club and I am proud of our club and where we have come,” she said.

“We love meeting clubs that really set standards in our league because that is how we grow and learn.

“Whatever comes from the game, it will be about the learning.”