SOUTH GAMBIER V WEST GAMBIER
It is a mammoth task but with finals still mathematically possible, South Gambier needs to bring its best to challenge premiership favourite West Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park this weekend.
An upset victory would keep the Demons inside the top four but given the Roos demolition of the reigning premiers last round by 21 goals, it is hard to mount a case for the young South line-up to prevail.
Sarah Ritter and Lisa McGregor are a well oiled machine in the shooting circle and both are accurate finishers, while Jade Ritter and Amy Cram shut down time and space at the other end.
The West mid court trio has speed, smarts and skill and they have provided strong connection between the defence and offence that is so experienced and settled for the Roos.
South’s shooting duo of Alyssa Duncan and Lara Munro will need to work overtime to find good shooting position and accurate finishing will also be crucial, while defenders Grace Edwards and Ellie Bouchier will need to be on song from the start.
The Demons’ mid court is a good match form the Roos trio and is just as young and hard running with Ruby Richter, Tully McShane and Megan Reid.
South has had its worst results of 2022 against West so the Roos should make it three from three in fine style.
EAST GAMBIER V MILLICENT
East Gambier had started build towards playing its best netball as the finals approached but it was never in the contest against West last weekend and will be looking to iron out the wrinkles when they host Millicent this weekend.
The Saints enter the clash off the back of a draw with North Gambier and having had a tough tussle with East the last time the two met, will be well prepared.
Every match up will be intriguing with East shooter Amryn Bosko and Saints defender Portia McRae two of the most promising teenagers in the competition.
Sarah Lock has started to find her mojo since returning from a calf injury and her battle with Hannah Nitschke will also be critical as Lock is the architect of what happens in the shooting circle but she will be given no easy ball by Nitschke.
Tarsh McCallum is the epitome of speed and smarts and where Millicent gives the task to Lisa Duldig or Georgia Clarke.
But whichever Saint is not looking to limit the influence of McCallum will have the equally difficult task of not letting Emily Hunter run riot.
Much of East’s success over the past few seasons has been built off the back of defensive pressure right across the court and that will need to be the case this weekend or the Saints will bounce back to the winners’ list.
NORTH GAMBIER V CASTERTON SANDFORD
North Gambier would be looking to this match with Casterton Sandford as a chance to fine-tune ahead of finals.
Coming off a come from behind, tense draw with top ranked Millicent, the Tigers had their preferred starting seven out on court for the first time in weeks and it showed just how good they can be when it all comes together.
The Cats showed some good signs last weekend, with Ivy Lane and Madalene Cleary, starting to work well as a shooting combination, but with Scarlett Jarrad now sidelined with a knee injury, it is hard to mount a case against a North team that just has to win to keep their season alive.
