EUROA v ECHUCA
Euroa and Echuca will be looking for an improved performance to keep their respective premiership aspirations alive.
Both have struggled for consistency in the second half of the season, despite both recording six wins.
Most of their victories have come against lower ranked teams while the losses have all come against fellow finals contenders.
Both lost their final round matches and are eager to get off to a flyer in this cut-throat final.
Maisie Barlow has been one of the team’s regulars and she will be very important through the mid-court while Kelly Hill has been a pillar of strength for the Magpies down back.
Hannah Kennedy and Sarah Hosking are two other Magpies that will be important along with goaler Kali Guilmartin.
Laura Emanuelli is another who has been a consistent performer for the Magpies. She will be important in providing support to Guilmartin.
Echuca will turn to Eve Gregor, Leah Thompson, experienced mid-court player Casey Frame and youngsters Maddie Wines and Olivia Hannon to get the score on the board and keep the Murray Bombers alive in the race for the premiership.
Recent meetings
Euroa 41 d Echuca 37 – June 4, 2016
KYABRAM v SEYMOUR
The form of these two teams during the latter part of the season has been contrasting, with Kyabram losing twice in the past month including in round 17 to Benalla while Seymour has been absolutely ruthless in the back half of the season.
The reigning premier has dished out some near faultless displays in brushing aside fellow premiership contenders Kyabram and Shepparton in the past month.
The Lions are on a winning streak of 13 straight victories, last losing to Echuca back in round five.
At their best, the Lions are probably the team to beat once again for this year’s premiership.
They have a strong squad, with plenty of depth.
Shooters Amelia Brock and Rosie O’Sullivan combine beautifully each week while the likes of Sarah Douglas, Ellie O’Sullivan and Casey Adamson provide the drive through the mid-court while Elle McDonald and Sarah Szczkulski make it hard for opposition goalers with their exceptional defending.
Kyabram has welcomed back Belinda Lees to the team and she has got better with each game. Her combination with Elle Groves will be decisive if the Bombers are to put the score on the board.
Jemma Osborne and Lauren Pryde are two other very important cogs for the Bombers along with Steph O’Nial, Holly Butler and Ash Mangan.
If Kyabram can jump out of the blocks and put the pressure back on Seymour then the minor premier is every chance to get the win.
Recent meetings
Seymour 41 d Kyabram 30, July 16, 2016.
SHEPPARTON v BENALLA
Shepparton needs to regroup quickly from its last round loss to take on the in-form Benalla in a bid to keep its premiership aspirations alive.
Benalla is one of the form teams of the competition, having claimed a couple of big scalps in Euroa and Kyabram during the final two rounds.
The Saints seem to be peaking at the right time of the season while the Bears have been solid.
Leading the way has been Jacinta Todd and Ashlee Cann while Lucy Teague-Neeld, Laura Ryan and Taylah Shannon will be equally as important for the Bears to get the win and move to week two of the finals.
Benalla has been well led by the experienced Kellie Keen, while other star performers of late have been Bridget Hill, Martine Rodger and Grace Thomas.
These teams played a thrilling contest at the end of the June and the Saints have definitely improved since that day and they will take some beating.
Recent meetings
Shepparton 39 drew with Benalla 39, June 25, 2016
Last Modified on 15/09/2016 13:57