UNDEFEATED sides Wentworth and Mildura’s collision in a grand final rematch this Saturday promises to be an early contender for match of the year.
Without a loss to their name after the first five rounds of the SFNL A Grade season and with the Demons coming into the game off a bye, there will be plenty on the line at Brian Weightman Oval.
Wentworth’s amazing winning streak has stretched out to 52 games but they face the side that has given them the biggest run for their money over the past 18 months.
Mildura faced the Roos three times in four weeks last year: round 18, the qualifying final and then the grand final, which the Roos won 59-37.
Demons shooter Jess McNamara, who scored 14 goals in that result, said her team couldn’t wait for the opportunity to face Wentworth again.
“I think we’re all pretty excited to come up against Wentworth and hopefully everything comes together for us,” McNamara said.
“It’s always great to go into a game without a loss but we also know how good of a team Wentworth is and they’ll give us a run for our money.
“We’ve had players out sick and away at times so we’ve definitely needed to have some of those extra players coming through but they’ve been able to fit in really well to our game style.
“They’re strong across the court so we just have to be ready for them and prepared to play our way.”
The 2022 Jackie Horkings Medal winner has formed a brilliant attacking duo with coach Ellie Vincent but the two will face their sternest test yet this season against Roos defender Courtney Wakefield and Nat Vercher.
“I hadn’t played with Ellie prior to Mildura but we’ve been able to build a nice combination and I think we’ve grown since the start of last year,” McNamara said.
“I always really enjoy playing with her and hopefully we can have impact against Wentworth.”
Meanwhile, Ouyen United, following a tough run of games against the current top three, will look to return to the winners’ list against Robinvale Euston at Underbool.
Last year’s preliminary finalists are 1-3 to start this season, as are their travelling Eagles opponents.
Merbein will look to further entrench themselves in the top five when they host Red Cliffs at Kenny Park.
Coach Breigh Hammet lamented some silly mistakes from her side last week against the Eagles but lauded their second-half performance in the victory.
South Mildura will look to cause an upset to claim their first win of the year when they host Irymple at MSP.
The Swallows are flying at 4-1 to start the year.
Imperials have the bye following consecutive victories.
