SHEPPARTON V EUROA
Shepparton has not lived up to the expectations of many pundits that it would be one of the serious challengers to Kyabram’s quest to win back to back titles.
After a shock loss to United on the opening day of the season, the Bears were smashed by a rampant Kyabram team last weekend.
Coach Tracey Brereton is experienced enough to know that two games don’t make a season, so she won’t be hitting any panic buttons just yet.
However, this is a game that the Bears just must win.
But that won’t be easy, especially after Euroa scored a confidence boosting win after a first up flop against Echuca on Easter Saturday.
Jacinta Todd, Laura Ryan and Steph Gorrie provide the experience and leadership to a team that has introduced some of the team’s under 17 premiership players this season.
Euroa will look to Kali Frost, Kelly Hill and Laura Emanuelli to provide the drive needed to try and make it two wins on the trot.
Tip: Euroa
MOOROOPNA V ECHUCA
Mooroopna has started 2017 season in the same fashion it started last year and coach Jenny McCluskey will be hoping her team can continue their good early season form.
She will be a key in the “D” as a shooter and will need to get supply from the likes of Maddie Dowling, Mia Fallon and Paigan Impey.
Echuca will be looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow loss to Benalla.
Olivia Hannon, Dearnah Kent and Abby Poulton have been some of the team’s players to really step up following the loss of some experienced girls from the squad.
If Mooroopna can apply scoreboard pressure early, then it is every chance of making it three wins on the trot.
Tip: Mooroopna.
TATURA V SEYMOUR
Tatura came crashing back to earth last weekend after scoring its first win since August 2015 in Mansfield.
Molly Boyle is well aware of the challenge her team faces on a week to week basis to match it with the league’s leading teams.
The Bulldog girls will come up against a Seymour team that doesn’t resemble the 2015-16 model which played off in two grand finals and claimed the 2015 title.
Ellie O’Sullivan is one of only a few that remains from the 2015 premiership, so the Lions are re-building their A grade team by pushing up some girls from B grade.
The Lions should be good enough to account for Tatura but it won’t be a pushover.
Tip: Seymour.
SWANS V BENALLA
Shepparton Swans are going to be a team that wins more games than it loses if it can replicate the form it showed against Euroa last weekend on a regular basis in 2017.
The return of Shinea Sali and Cassia Colbeck to the playing ranks coupled with the development and growth of some of the club’s younger players argues well for the future.
Benalla broke its duck last weekend with a thrilling victory over Echuca.
The Saints will gain plenty of confidence from that win and they will look to Grace Warnock, Grace Thomas and Martine Rodger to provide the drive to claim the four points.
Tip: Swans.
MANSFIELD V UNITED
United has made a flying start to the season and it will travel to the Alpine Country full of confidence.
Kristy Hommes, Jess Barnes-Hill, Sarah Bohn and Bree Hanslow have led the team to this fast start while the Eagles look to be in for a long season if the early results are anything to go by.
The Eagles’ goal will be to try and be competitive.
Tip: United.
ROCHESTER V KYABRAM
Kyabram has given no indication in the opening two weeks that it was happy with last year’s premiership.
This team, which is well led by Belinda Lees and full of elite players, clearly want to create a dynasty at the club.
The Bomber girls absolutely blitzed Shepparton last weekend to back up their round one win.
Rochester has enjoyed mixed results to start the season.
The Tigers registered a confidence boosting win over Seymour on Easter Saturday, but couldn’t back it up against United.
They will struggle against the reigning premier who will take some beating in 2017.
Tip: Kyabram.
Last Modified on 01/05/2017 10:04