Saints and Pies take flight

BAMBILL will be keen to keep their undefeated start to the MFNL A Grade season rolling when they visit staunch rivals Werrimull at Lake Cullulleraine today.

The two sides were the class of the league last season with 12 regular season wins apiece before Nangiloc came from the clouds; knocked off the Saints 26-24 in the preliminary final and then charged late to steal the crown from the Magpies in the waning stages of the grand final.

The Pies were comfortable victors in round one against Meringur before stumbling against the Lions in something of an upset at Cardross last week.

They need to be in better form this weekend against a team still smarting from a straight sets’ exit from the 2024 post-season.

Anna Thomson, Mary Kelly and Cassie Morris played well for Werrimull last week, but they are going to need greater support against the Saints, who are cruising with wins over Cardross and Nangiloc.

Tessa Houkamau has shone in both victories and has had plenty of co-stars including Tayla Davison Amao, veteran Breigh Hammet, Kaylie Monaghan and Maddy Tormey.

It’s a different story for defending champions Nangiloc who are winless and languishing at the foot of the table.

Wholesale changes to last year’s A side have obviously unsettled the Demons and hosting Meringur (1-1) may just be the tonic.

Coach and 2024 premiership holdover Ginine Sluiter remains dominant and Amber King and Holly Mills have been consistent, but they need the rest of the crew to get on board.

The Kangaroos downed Gol Gol last week to join a four-way tie for second on the way-too-early table.

They will be looking for Emily Birch, Bella Connell, Susan Wilson and import Christine Villiva to stay on the winning path.

Across the river, one-and-one sides Gol Gol and Cardross meet in a clash too close to call.

The Hawks looked great in a first-round win over premiers Nangiloc, but that win doesn’t seem quite so grand now and a loss to Meringur after the Easter break brought them back to earth.

The Lions stunned Werrimull last week after falling to Bambill in the opener, so their form looks a little more impressive.

PREDICTIONS: Saints by five goals, Lions by seven and the Kangas by three