IT’S way, way too early to call a game a “must-win”, but it just kind of seems that way for South Mildura when they take on Irymple at the Mildura Sporting Precinct courts at noon today.
Last week, in egg-frying conditions, the hosting Bulldogs couldn’t keep up with an improving Imperials outfit and went down by 20 goals.
They did rally, somewhat, in the third quarter when Imps experimented a little with their line-up, but it was pretty much all one-way traffic and Souths looked underdone and more than a bit discombobulated.
Cohesion and fitness were two key areas coach Tara Bate said the team needed to improve upon but that’s not an overnight fix and they will be facing a fresh and hungry Irymple outfit on the same court and in near identical heat.
The Swallows made the semis last year but expected much better – as do most teams from Henshilwood Reserve.
Despite losing Bronte Pezzaniti and Vanessa Power and some young talent, new coach Shelby Trigg has plenty to work with this season with a core of seasoned veterans bolstered by star Millewa league defender Samantha Garraway, veteran Eliza Weaver and youthful guns Ashton Wade and Alice Leeder.
Again, far too early to make big calls but this encounter could provide an indication of how these two 2024 finalists are likely to trend this A Grade season.
Mildura South A Graders take on the visiting Irymple from 12pm today at the Mildura Sporting Precinct, 12pm
PREDICTION: Irymple by eight goals
