SOUTH GAMBIER V MILLICENT
Millicent is continuing to look for solutions in its shooting circle until Demi Verbena returns but still sits with two wins and should be able to make it three when they head to Blue Lake Sports Park at the weekend.
Kalani Dunn certainly made the most of her opportunity last weekend and if she earns the call up again, her battle with Mykaela Thiele will be one of the critical match ups on the court.
South welcomed back Gracie Dalton at the weekend and it did make the Demons frontline look far more damaging and when her she combines with Megan Reid or Ash Widdison, scoring should be less of a chore.
Of course, the defensive combination of Portia McRae and Lauren Van Eeden never gives an inch and South’s feeders, Teresa Humphris, Tully McShane and Sophie Wight will need to be patient with ball in hand.
Georgia Clarke returned to the A Grade court for Millicent at the weekend and her combination in the mid court with Lisa Duldig and Lillie Paul will ensure every ball is delivered under pressure for the Demons, while once in offence, all three will use their speed to great effect.
Ellie Bouchier has had an outstanding start to the 2024 season and her battle with Nikeisha Facey is another potential match shaping contest, but in the end Millicent is still a more stable line-up with more experience and should secure the victory.
NORTH GAMBIER V EAST GAMBIER
East Gambier challenges Millicent in round three and they face another huge challenge when they head to Vansittart Park to take on North Gambier.
The Tigers were not at their best in their clash with the Cats last round and no doubt coach Kaitlin Egan has been ironing out the wrinkles on the training court this week.
Starting goal attack Macey Griffith is battling a calf strain so might be in doubt for the clash but if the last quarter in round three showed anything, it was the combination of Kelly Lockwood and Stella Mobbs can get the job done on the scoreboard.
Much will depend on the defensive work of the Tigers as they look to shut down supply to East goal attack Malinda Foster, who has been in her side’s best every round thus far.
Her accuracy, especially from range, will keep the scoreboard ticking along so mid courters Brianna Walters and Mel Renko will need to pressure the delivery into the circle while Ava Collins and Lauran Norman will be looking to shut down time and space for the East goalers.
The North frontline will have its own challenges as well as it looks to plot a way through the tight defence of Sharna McKinnon, Bo Creek and Morgan Amy, in fact the battle between Amy and Egan will be one of the match defining contests.
The Tigers should get the points in this one but will know that shaking off the challenge from the Bulldogs will take a consistent four quarter performance.
WEST GAMBIER V CASTERTON SANDFORD
West Gambier has been in stellar form in the first three rounds of the 2024 competition, and despite the fact star shooter Sarah Ritter could well be sidelined for a few rounds, the Roos still look ominous as they head into their round four clash with Casterton Sandford.
Their success is built in relentless defensive pressure and then fast ball movement that sees them score more prolifically than any other team in the competition.
Mikaela Horrigan is starting to settle in nicely into her new defensive role and Amy Cram controls the back third better than any goal defender.
The speed and tenacity of Chelsea Tremelling at wing defence has been a revelation, while Tara Bryant continues to be a hard runner both ways and the return of Jess Holmes has only added more class to the Roos frontline with her ability to deliver every ball safely into the hands of her shooters.
Lisa McGregor might have to up her shooting output without Ritter by her side, but Tahlia Bradley is a more than capable replacement with the likes of Gracie Peterson and Aleisha Pearson also capable of taking a shooting role.
The Cats would certainly be full of confidence after pushing North Gambier for three quarters last weekend and will need to bring that same intensity and consistency if they are to challenge the rampaging Roos.
Caeleigh Humphries and Chelsea Hulm led the way in the round three clash and Hulm and new shooting partner Holly Smith look to be forming a good understanding.
Madalene Cleary is as reliable as ever and being able to control the game from centre means she can impact both ends of the court while also giving coach Jodie Humphries a back up defensive and shooting option if required.
The battle between Tremelling and speedy teenager Indi Longhurst will be one to watch and while the Cats should certainly challenge the Roos, it is hard to find a chink in West’s armour at this stage of the season.
