WHILE the top-end talent is already strong for Mildura, the next generation of young guns coming through also look the part.
The Demons were pushed all the way by a determined Merbein outfit at Brian Weightman Oval on Saturday but some bright performances from some of their emerging talents helped them to a 56-40 victory.
The Magpies led 13-11 at quarter time and spent much of the match going tit-for-tat with the top three sides, but the Dees’ passing ability broke the game open in the fourth.
Two of their leading lights, Jess McNamara, who starred at both ends of the court, and Ellie Vincent, who was deadly accurate under the ring, were their best; however, the playing coach would be happy with the emergence of their young talents.
Alongside captain Ally Leng, Molly McDonald, Ashleigh Goss and Hanna Zambelli provided assured performances, while emerging attackers Kate Crouch and Ava Matschoss both took opportunities to shine in the second half.
The Magpies also proved they can be a finals-calibre team, Darey Chilton and Emily Gray forming a strong combination in attack, Stephanie White controlling possession and Sophie Kroehn and Johannah Gray a tough unit to crack in defence.
Breigh Hammet’s team were right in the contest until halfway through the final term, when the margin began to grow.
Despite the slow start, Vincent said she was happy with the team’s ability to chase down a lead.
“The games like today are where we find things we need to work on for the rest of the season, but the girls, even though we had the slow start, came through with the win and worked their bums off,” she said.
“We don’t like doing it the easy way but it’s always great to know then when we are down, we can always find that little bit of extra energy and work hard to get back.”
Vincent said one of the best parts of her job was giving game time to emerging talents.
“We have so many girls to choose from and there’ so much talent here,” she said.
“I love bringing up the younger girls from under-17s and they love coming up.
“It’s a different game for them. I love the things they learn.”
Mildura face Ouyen United this week while Merbein are at home to ladder leaders Wentworth.
