LCFNL – A Grade Netball preview
THE Cats and Eagles are two teams who have had their share of challenges with player unavailability in 2025 and it makes this an intriguing clash and easily the match of the round.
Casterton Sandford just cannot get a consistent seven out on court week-in, week-out and Penola is still covering the loss of goal attack Tegan Lythgo, with both clubs testing their senior depth and junior talent.
Penola enters the clash off a stunning second half against South Gambier and if they bring that form to the court, the Cats will certainly have their work cut out.
Defensively, Casterton Sandford is in good hands with Caeleigh Humphries having basically been in their best across the first nine rounds, while Finnigan’s return is a welcome addition to the circle defensive options and they will need to be at their best with April Possingham in stunning form, winning plenty of the ball and finishing accurately.
Penola will no doubt be tinkering around who takes the court as her shooting partner but with a mid-court that has Tara Clayfield, Sally Skeer and Hannah Klemm at it disposal, the Eagles are well placed to continue their winning ways against lower ranked teams.
Madalene Cleary looms large for the Cats with her leadership and ability to have an impact at both ends of the court, while the hard-running Indi Longhurst is also a key in linking defence to attack.
If the Cats are to be any chance, they will need Danielle Tooley back on court, while Chelsea Hulm will need to be at her best as she takes on star Eagles defender, Gorgia Robbie.
The Cats are never easybeats but Penola should return to McCorquindale Park with the points.
