1st: Wentworth (13-0)
Remaining games: Bye, Irymple (A), Merbein (H), Mildura (A)
THE benchmark team in the competition continue on their merry way with stars across all lines.
The reigning premiers’ round 18 contest against Mildura will almost certainly preview their semi-final match-up the following week, and could be a grand final preview.
Keep your eye on: Molly Mangan. The young attacker isn’t the most heralded name but she has embedded herself in a quality A Grade side and adds another dimension to their play.
Predicted finish: 1st
2nd: Mildura (10-1-1)
Remaining games: Robinvale Euston (A), Red Cliffs (H), Imperials (A), Wentworth (H)
CLEARLY the heir apparent to the throne Wentworth currently occupy, the Demons have done little wrong all season.
Mildura would dearly love to secure their first A Grade premiership since 2014 and their upcoming match-ups with the Roos will be intriguing.
Keep your eye on: Katelyn Challis. Unsung in her defensive role, she is an important link for her attacking teammates.
Predicted finish: 2nd
3rd: South Mildura (6-5-2)
Remaining games: Ouyen United (H), Bye, Robinvale Euston (A), Red Cliffs (H)
HERE is where the run home gets interesting as South, who have impressed under coach Sally Moore, leads four legitimate contenders for finals.
The loss of young star defender Morna Naquto for the season is a big blow, but the Dogs hope their talent across all lines can earn them a top-four finish.
Keep your eye on: Sarah Telfer. A versatile attacker who can play in any of the three forward positions and possesses a great shooting ability.
Predicted finish: 4th
4th: Irymple (6-6-1)
Remaining games: Imperials (A), Wentworth (H), Bye, Merbein (A)
THE Swallows have been building momentum in recent weeks and playing leapfrog with Ouyen United for fourth place.
Irymple’s final four fixtures may work against them but if results go their way and the young squad can build their percentage, they can be a dangerous finals prospect.
Keep your eye on: Sophie Price. One of the youngest players in the A Grade this season, she has grown into her role in wing defence with her ability to read the play and intercept.
Predicted finish: 5th
5th: Ouyen United (5-5-2)
Remaining games: South Mildura (A), Robinvale Euston (H), Red Cliffs (A), Imperials (H)
AN uncharacteristic slow start to the season has meant the Kangas have had to bound their way into form from a long way out, but they have done it.
No match is a given but they could realistically win all four of their remaining games, however a potential finals berth could be decided by two points on the ladder.
Keep your eye on: Ellen Morrish. A brilliantly consistent season for the 2019 premiership winner who can play in any mid-court position.
Predicted finish: 3rd
6th: Merbein (6-6)
Remaining games: Red Cliffs (A), Imperials (H), Wentworth (A), Irymple (H)
THE Magpies are a team on the rise and are still a chance of making top four, thanks to their recent one-goal win over third-placed South Mildura.
The girls from Kenny Park should realistically grab four points in their next two games, but their final-round contest with Irymple could be decisive for both teams’ finals hopes.
Keep your eye on: Zali McMonnies. The young goal shooter has found her confidence as the season has progressed and will be important during the run home.
Predicted finish: 6th
7th: Imperials (3-7-2)
Remaining games: Irymple (H), Merbein (A), Mildura (H), Ouyen United (A)
A YOUTHFUL Imp-erials side certainly felt the might of Wentworth last week but they will take the final four games as a learning experience.
With renowned netball guru Kym Mayne at the helm, the last month will be about further development for the side which has pushed many others to the limit in 2023.
Keep your eye on: Laura Hayter. Has impressed for Imps since crossing from Ouyen United and has formed a solid shooting partnership with Kia Scott.
Predicted finish: 7th
8th: Robinvale Euston (2-10-1)
Remaining games: Mildura (H), Ouyen United (A), South Mildura (H), Bye
A REAL energy is building at John James Oval and despite their overall record the Eagles have plenty to be excited about for the future.
If Robinvale Euston can retain the majority of their playing list for 2024 and make a few additions, they could be a top-side contender.
Keep your eye on: Belle Giofrelle. Often deployed at wing attack, the athletic Giofrelle is nimble and agile, which helps to create space for her shooters.
Predicted finish: 8th
9th: Red Cliffs
Remaining games: Merbein (H), Mildura (A), Ouyen United (H), South Mildura (A)
FOLLOWING their drought-breaking win in 2022, Red Cliffs looked poised to keep moving forward but that hasn’t eventuated this season.
Again, they are a better side than their record suggests and with a young core of players in place, the Tigers will be building for next year and beyond.
Keep your eye on: Louisa Stevens. Has been ever-improving and often deployed in multiple positions across the court for the Tigers.
Predicted finish: 9th
