MERINGUR will have their 2025 A Grade netball credentials put to the test when they face undefeated Bambill at the Mildura Senior College courts on Saturday.
The Kangaroos have gotten off to a handy 2-1 start to the season and sit second on the ladder on a slight goals differential over Cardross.
They dropped their opening game of the year to Werrimull but have followed up that early setback with comfortable victories over Gol Gol and winless reigning premiers Nangiloc.
Offseason recruit Christina Villiva has been a driving force in the mid-court along with defender Madelyn McPhee, co-coaches Bella Connell and Susan Wilson, wing defence Zannah Harmer and shooter Emily Birch, in particular, to maintain the team’s momentum.
That will be no easy task against a frugal Saints team which has conceded only 83 goals thus far and still seems to be some way off its peak.
Maddy Tormey and Kaylie Monaghan have controlled the midcourt, goal keeper Breigh Hammet has brought great experience to the defence and Tessa Houkamau is a constant threat near the net.
Cardross will be eager to show they are also up for the fight this season when they host Nangiloc at what just might be the right time.
The Lions have also won two on the trot while last year’s pennant winners are yet to break into the win column.
Shooter Tamara Hamence has been a standout for Cardy in the early going along with coach and centre Bronte Burgess, fellow markswoman Georgia Leutner and keeper Charlotte McKendrick.
That might just be a little too much for Ginine Sluiter’s Demons who lost most of that premiership squad in the offseason and are still trying to find some sort of traction this campaign.
Meanwhile, Werrimull and Gol Gol, fourth and fifth on the ladder respectively with a win apiece, should provide an interesting tussle at Lake Cullulleraine.
In a bunched mid-table, a win for either would provide just a little breathing space in the top four.
The Magpies at home and with coach Jolene Neyland and mid-courters Grace Kelly and Erin Sell in form, might be a little too strong for the Hawks, who will be relying heavily on defenders Emily Phillips and Jarae Johnson to keep the Pies at bay.
PREDICTIONS: Saints by nine goals, Lions by seven, Magpies by eight.
