It is the top of the table clash and a preview of next weekend’s second semi final so given it is somewhat of a dress rehearsal, both East Gambier and Millicent have a chance to trial things and also hold a few tactics back, making the result of this contest hard to quantify.
There is certainly a psychological advantage to be gained by securing the victory and East will be keen to emulate their opponent’s incredible record in seasons past, by ending the minor round undefeated and not showing any chinks in the armour as they head into the double chance final next Sunday against the reigning premiers
The Bulldogs took more than a half to shake off a determined South Gambier last round and they will be looking to bring more intensity to this weekend’s contest, especially in terms of the full court defensive pressure the Bulldogs have long considered a trademark and that was more evident in their dominant second half against the Demons.
Much will rest on the ability of Paige Nitschke and Demi Verbena to use their speed and smarts to work their way through the tough defensive efforts of Emily Hunter, Tyne Bosko, Lisa Fyfe and Bo Creek, while at the other end it will be the pressure from hard-working mid courters Lucy Denton and Lisa Duldig to try and force the feeders into error and deny Tenille Gray and Amryn Bosko too much easy ball.
The return of Tarsh McCallum saw some strong structure in the offensive end and the attack line will be better for having returned to their preferred starting seven and no doubt any wrinkles have been ironed out this week on the training court.
Millicent are certainly more match hardened, having some off a tough victory over North Gambier in a high quality contest and they have proved in 2021 they are good at keeping opposition teams at bay in tight goal for goal contests.
The start will be critical with both sides usually looking to blow opposition out of the water early but while the gap is closing on East and the challengers, the Bulldogs should end the 2021 minor round with a zero in the loss column.
NORTH GAMBIER V WEST GAMBIER
This will be a match to savour and like the East versus Millicent clash is a dress rehearsal for the following Saturday’s knockout semi final.
North Gambier is hosting West Gambier with the results split thus far in 2021. The Tigers should enter the clash confident after again pushing Millicent to the limit but West will also be buoyed by a dominating performance over the Cats.
There are intriguing match-ups all over the court with Maddie Whaites looking to quell the influence of star Roo shooter Sarah Ritter and at the other end, Jade Ritter looking to deny iconic Tiger shooter Caroline Davey too much ball.
Both Whaites and Jade Ritter will be relying on pressure out the front from their respective mid courts, as well as the work of their fellow circle defenders with both North’s Noni McConnell and West’s Amy Cram are the generals of their respective defensive thirds.
The mid-court clash between experience North centre Mel Renko and rising star Tara Bryant will be intriguing as both boast a strong work ethic and impact at both ends of the court, hitting the circle hard in attack and getting important defensive touches.
This match will be all about gaining the mental edge for the following week and imagine both will be going all out to win.
North will be hampered by the season ending injury to Lauren Buddle so this weekend will be a chance to develop a new team chemistry at the defensive end but they should be able to secure a narrow victory on their home court.
