Mildura chasing the Roos

A MASSIVE match-up with the best in the business is one Mildura can’t wait for.

The Demons, who have won their past six SFNL A Grade netball matches, are again firming as number one contender to Wentworth’s crown, although Irymple are also right in the mix.

They will head to George Gordon Oval for another top-two clash on Saturday as Mildura look to halt the Roos’ epic 60-game winning streak.

In their grand final replay back in round five, Wentworth’s 10-goal buffer at the end of the first quarter was the catalyst behind the win, with the Demons going step for step for the rest of the match, which finished 55-41.

Regular goal defence Ava Zadow was switched into attack and proved a bright spark, scoring 28 of her team’s goals.

However, she has also earned praise in the past for her defensive efforts on Roos coach Amanda Edwards.

Mildura, however, do have some versatility to play with if the situation arises.

Jess McNamara can also play at both ends of the court and coach Ellie Vincent is comfortable either in the shooting ring or further up the court, while Sharon Watson and Milli Seward can also form a strong defensive pairing.

It gives them plenty of options if necessary.

Assistant coach McNamara, who has been at the helm while Vincent has been overseas, said the squad had worked on the training track and even with the bye last week.

“Wentworth are really good at getting out of the gates straight up – it’s something we need to be prepared for and try to get ourselves to do the same thing,” she said.

“I definitely think that’s beneficial for us to have that versatility because it means we can make changes as we go, and if some match-ups aren’t working we can switch them around.

“It just allows us to have those few more options up our sleeves.”

Not only have the team’s established young-guns been firing but new blood like Kate Crouch and Ava Matschoss have also had opportunities to shine from the bench.

McNamara said she is all for giving players a chance in A Grade.

“I’m definitely pro bringing the younger ones in for an opportunity, and not just the under-17s but the girls playing in B Grade as well,” she said.

“There’s lots of girls in the other grades who have the potential to be playing up.”

In other games, Irymple can confirm the double chance and a place in the top three with a win over South Mildura at Henshilwood Oval, while a South victory would take them another step closer to a confirmed finals berth.

On paper, Ouyen United have the best run home as they face all four sides not in the the top five, but they will still need to be on their game, starting with a buoyant Robinvale Euston side at John James Oval after their win last week.

Merbein may rue a missed opportunity against the Eagles last week but can keep close check with the top five if they can beat Red Cliffs at Quandong Park.

Imperials have the bye.