AN early season log jam on the SFNL A Grade netball ladder has plenty of teams fighting for position after four rounds.
The undefeated Wentworth and Mildura are clear on top with Irymple just behind, but Robinvale Euston, Ouyen United, Red Cliffs, Merbein and Imperials all sit on four points after the opening four rounds.
South Mildura is the only team yet to taste victory so far.
Two games in particular this weekend could have a bigger bearing than most on the standings post.
Robinvale Euston coach Georgia Giofrelle admits their clash with Merbein will be an important one, but they will remain focussed on their own game rather than the pressure of results.
“It’s very important for us,” she said.
“Really our focus will be to control the game and not get too caught up in being focussed on the result.
“From the start of the year, our focus has been to play the game at our own pace and not forcing passes forward when we don’t need to.”
After winning the Opening Round fixture against Imperials, the Eagles have lost to Irymple and Red Cliffs, but have only played one match in three weeks thanks to byes in the draw.
“Having our run a bit staggered has made it hard for us to get into a rhythm but now having a few games in a row we’ll hopefully get that back up and running,” Giofrelle said.
“We’re down our goal shooter who has hurt her knee so we’re just trying a few different combinations to see what works best for us.”
Red Cliffs, who broke an 18-game winless run with a victory over the Eagles two weeks ago, will hope to build further momentum against Imperials at Quandong Park.
Under new coach Ali Callahan, however, Imps secured a surprise victory over Irymple prior to last week’s bye, making this head-to-head contest an enticing one to watch.
Meanwhile, Irymple face Ouyen United at Henshilwood Reserve while Wentworth are at home to South Mildura at George Gordon Oval.
Mildura have the bye.
