WE are still basically two weeks away from finals but fans at the Brian Weightman Oval courts at the weekend got a tantalising glimpse of what to expect at the business end of the season.
In conditions also resembling a warm September day, the top two SFNL A Grade sides put on quite a show in front of a robust group of supporters.
Unbackable title favourites Wentworth continued their unbeaten streak but not before being pushed all the way in a nine-goal win against second-placed Mildura.
The Roos took a five-goal lead into quarter-time but just couldn’t shake off the Demons, who are clearly the biggest threat to their title ambitions.
“It was a really great hit-out today,” Wentworth’s coach and star shooter Amanda Edwards said after the gruelling contest.
“We expected Mildura to come out really hard and it’s a top two clash – that’s the kind of game you want heading into finals,” she said.
“It was good preparation for what is coming. It was great to feel that kind of intensity for the whole 60 minutes,” said the prolific Edwards, who scored 35 of her side’s 53 goals.
“Their (Mildura’s) composure was really good and they were a lot better with the ball than the last time we played them.”
The Roos’ coach felt the key difference was her side’s pressing style of play.
“For us, I thought our defensive pressure all over the court was impressive today and we made them work to score,” she said before singling out a few of her players for special praise.
“Ash Cameron was great for us in the middle today. She controlled the game and played a really good captain’s game.
“And, as always, our defenders. You just can’t beat them. They got us ball today and that’s how you win a game. Nat Vercher and Courtney (Wakefield) … they had their work cut out and were great.”
Mildura co-coach Jess McNamara, despite the loss, also regarded the game as a win for her constantly improving side.
“There are so many positives we can take out of that game,” she said. “I am super proud of every one of them. They all played their roles.
“All the girls showed up today. I would say everyone played great because it is a team game – everyone played their part and that is all you can ask for,” she said.
“(Wentworth) are a great side throughout the whole court, so everyone had a challenge in their own role and did well.
“Unfortunately, when you let them get a couple of goals on you it’s very hard to come back and we just did some simple, silly things that can be easily corrected.”
Goal shooter Ashleigh Morello and wing attack Demalza Henry were named the Dees’ best, but Ava Zadow was also outstanding with 30 goals and McNamara and Sharon Watson performed admirably in defence against near unstoppable Edwards.
“It was great to come against Wentworth now to see exactly where we are at and next week we play Ouyen United at Underbool and that will be another challenge. The ladder shows they have not had a great year, but they are still a fine side,” McNamara said of her squad’s final challenge before the post-season begins.
SCORES
Mildura 44
Wentworth 53
BEST
Mildura: Demalza Henry, Ashleigh Morello
Wentworth: Natalie Vercher, Ashlee Cameron
