Tough match-ups a chance to measure progress

GOING up against the benchmark team of the past two seasons is a sure way to test the resilience of your team, and that will certainly be the case for Red Cliffs when they meet reigning premiers Wentworth this weekend.

The Tigers did not record a win last season while the Roos went undefeated to claim their second consecutive premiership.

First-year coach Romany Bowen, who will lead Red Cliffs for the first time on Saturday, said the match-up would provide an early indication of her team’s ability.

“It’ll be a big test but we’re excited by coming up against a benchmark team like Wentworth early in our campaign,” Bowen said.

“We can really see how our pre-season’s been and where we need to improve to compete against these top teams.

“Irymple, who we meet in round 2, is definitely another team I’ve flagged as an up-and-comer.”

With an off-season emphasis on their “mental approach”, Bowen said a win would typify the work they’d put in over the summer.

“I want their minds to be right heading into what we see as a season of growth and more development of the juniors,” Bowen said.

“A win would be a great reward for the girls.

“I can’t fault their attitude and commitment during the pre-season.”

Meanwhile, for Wentworth, who haven’t lost a game since the 2019 grand final, maintaining their high standard will be paramount.

Despite their dominance, coach Amanda Edwards said there was still room for further improvement.

Returning player Emily Hosking is expected to add depth to their centre court.

“I think we do, both individually and as a team,” Edwards said.

“I can’t fault our work ethic or intensity, but whether it’s on or off the court, there’s always things we can do better.”

Edwards, who was awarded best-on-court in last season’s grand final win over Mildura, said she would continue to keep the same tactical approach to each and every game.

“This is how I structure my trainings throughout the season,” she said.

“We review the game we’ve just played but we quickly move on and adjust for our next opponent.”

The Tigers and Roos meet at George Gordon oval this Saturday at 1.30pm.

Over at Henshilwood Oval, a confident Robinvale-Euston side fresh off their opening-round victory over Imperials will face a new-look Irymple team.

The Swallows, who narrowly missed out on finals last season, will pose a more experienced team, headlined by basketball converts Vanessa Power and Bronte Pezzaniti.

The adjustment for Power will certainly be tested, with her likely match-up to be Eagles captain Georgia Giofrelle, one of the competition’s most dynamic offensive players.

Last year’s runners-up, Mildura, will go in as firm favourites against Imperials when the two teams meet at Brian Weightman Oval, while based on last year’s results, South Mildura and Merbein should be a close affair, given both sides ended on eight wins.

The Bulldogs and Magpies will meet each other at the MSP.

All games, aside from the Wentworth and Red Cliffs match-up will start at noon.