Inspired by the Socceroos’ astonishing last-gasp win to qualify for a fifth straight FIFA World Cup through sudden-death penalties, the local round-ball stars will look to create some magic memories of their own when the 2022 Steeline Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Association season resumes this Sunday.
The season was put on pause after six rounds last weekend due to the SAJSA Country Championships at a fascinating position which sets the scene for some more top-quality action
The big contest of the weekend will be in the Senior Women’s competition where the top two teams Blue Lake and International will face off for the second time this season.
An energised grand final rematch took place at Casadio Park back in May where Inter ensured history repeated.
However, the Rangers will be more hopeful of a stronger showing having generated some huge momentum since that game by collecting a trio of big wins.
But the black and blue are also confidence yet to drop a game with Ella Doody being prolific around the goals.
The strikers to watch for Blue Lake are Aimee Brooks and Chelsea Frost as the rivals are expected to not hold back.
International’s men’s outfit will be on the charge from kick off having been forced to stew for two long weeks about their first defeat to of the season.
On a cold, wintery Sunday afternoon, an emotionally charged Apollo edged out Inter to subject the black and blue to their first defeat of the season in front of their home fans.
Matt and Sam Bueti collected five goals between them in the round 2 battle with Blue Lake and the latter wants an improved performance from the 8-0 thrashing.
Apollo sent a shockwave to the competition by overcoming International away from home and now the challenge is for James Stephenson’s men is to remain at that standard each week.
This Sunday presents a good chance to keep up the winning mentality with a home fixture against Naracoorte after disposing of the yellow and black 5-0 last time.
Apollo’s women’s team also raised a few eyebrows by pushing reigning premier Inter all the way during a tense 90-minute affair.
Evie Thompson and Daylia Daylia are in good form and their teammates should do enough to topple Naracoorte.
Both Gambier Centrals squads will be expected to secure the premiership points at MGA Park when Millicent comes to town.
The Lions men are the kings of the LCFA ladder so far and should only strengthen their grip on the position with another big win over the struggling Millicent outfit.
Cam Saint will be licking his lips at the prospect of enhancing his Golden Boot chances, but the women’s game should be much closer.
The lady Lions could not shake off Millicent in their round 2 battle which finished as a 0-0 stalemate, so both teams will be desperate for the win which could have a big say on who reaches finals at the end of the season.
