SHEPPARTON UNITED V SHEPPARTON SWANS
This is a huge game between two cross-town rivals that know what a win means and what defeat means.
Both sit a game behind sixth place Seymour in 7th and 8th respectively.
The Swans will be looking to bounce back after going down by 37 goals against premiership fancy Mooroopna while the Demons had a gritty four goal win at Kyabram.
The Swans will look to Sarah Down, Hannah Garner and young star, Harriet Gall to lead the way for the visitors.
United will look to Shinea Sali through the mid-court who had a strong game in the win over Kyabram.
Sali will also hope team-mate and co-coach Laura Cole, defender Olivia Kirby and star goaler Tamara Skinner can continue their good form.
If the Demons can hold their own through the mid-court and curb the influence of Swans shooter Natasha Atkinson-Brown, then I think they can win.
Tip: Shepparton United.
SEYMOUR V BENALLA
This is a huge game in the context of Seymour’s season as it clings onto sixth place on the ladder.
United and the Swans are trying to tip them out, but to do so everything has to go right for both of them and hope the Lions drop a couple of games to give them a chance of leapfrogging them.
Ruby Martin and Bridie Cantwell worked really hard for the Lions in defence last round in their loss to Echuca.
And, Ally Black and Rosie O’Sullivan were important links for the shooters through their strong play through the mid-court while in a boost for the Lions, Olivia Barry made her return for injury.
That said, the Saints were competitive in pushing the much-improved Eagles to four goals, largely due to the good form of Sarah Osborne, Jordie Willcock and Kate Symes.
I think that given the Lions have a lot on the line they should bank the four points that is likely to take them into the finals for 2024.
Tip: Seymour.
ROCHESTER V ECHUCA
Rochester will be looking to finish its season in a positive manner despite playing for pride as it can’t feature in the finals.
Shooters Teal Hocking and Tia Webb were dynamic for Rochester since linking up again after missing games in the middle of the season.
Since they have joined forces, they have really pushed top six aspirants Shepparton (down by 2 goals) and Tatura (down by 4 goals).
Ella Roulston played her 100th game last round and she has been a model of consistency through the mid-court for her team this season.
Eloise Cuttriss and Bridget Holt were two players who also played good games against Tatura
They will need to continue that form for the Tigers to be any chance of an upset win.
Echuca’s title defence has really ramped up through the middle part and back half of the season.
The reigning premier is really settled and getting some real momentum as a group while the bench players come on to play a role.
I think they will be pushed by the Tigers, but if the likes of Holly Chadwick, Lauren Jones and Greta Pearson can continue their good form, then they should get the win.
Tip: Echuca.
MOOROOPNA V MANSFIELD
Mooroopna can secure its place in the top two if it can overcome Mansfield at home.
The Cats were able to get back on the winners list post the Echuca loss and have put together a couple of strong statement wins to get themselves ready for the finals.
Captain and shooter Ash Lancaster had one of her best games in the Swans win a couple of rounds ago and mid-courter Asha Gray was also strong with her movement down the court.
Lancaster backed it up again in the Cats’ big win over Kyabram.
Others to contribute to the win were Mia Fallon and Caitlin McLachlan.
Mansfield will be looking to try and get some in game wins, noting this will be a tough challenge for them.
But they have nothing to lose and sometimes that can be a good thing as you play with freedom.
That said, the Cats will want to control the tempo and replicate what they would like to play like in September.
I think the Cats will be too strong for the visiting Eagles.
Tip: Mooroopna.
