Sport
8 August, 2024
Playing in front key to the Burras' late season surge | WFNL round 16
Minyip Murtoa has one its last three games to sit in the top five.
WFNL
Netball
Minyip Murtoa coach Kirby Knight has seen a change in her side's play style, which has seen the Burras enter the top five.
Heading into its round 16 WFNL match against the Horsham Saints on Saturday, August 10, at Coughlin Park, the Burras has won its last three games.
"Over the last few weeks, we've had more consistent games, which has really helped us cement those leads," Knight said.
"We've been able to get out in front and build upon leads, which I think is going to be a big factor this weekend."
Knight described the reigning premiers as "a very well-drilled team" and knows that nothing less than a four-quarter performance will be required.
"I think it's going to be important for us to keep that four-quarters of momentum and try and run with them," she said.
"We know they like to play a quick game, and then they execute the passages of play that they implement very well. So it's just about us controlling the ball and being consistent when we do have possession."
In addition to the quick pace of play the Saints show, Knight believes the Burras will also have to prepare for a physical brand of netball.
"I think it's important this weekend that we have the mentality of that four-quarters of hard-branded, consistent physical gameplay that we know we might come up against," she said.
"We have to be prepared as well to be hungry for the ball, chase down loose balls, and contest in tight, physical contests, the same way every other team does week in and week out."
Knight also credited the work of her side's defence in recent weeks after injury cruelled the early part of the season.
"We're lucky that we have the versatility across the board," she said.
"We've had players step up in that defensive end that are really starting to come together, find their combinations as a team, and find what works for us down there."
Whilst Knight credited the work of her teammates for her own form.
She has shot 116 goals in the last three matches.
"It's been really great to have the support of the girls around me [in attack]," Knight said.
"Just the camaraderie and the positivity to have the trust to feed me the ball, let it go and trust that I'll get my hands on it and score the goals.
"It's been really good, from my point of view as a player. The last few weeks, we've really bonded as a team, and everyone's been up and about, which has been good."
The Saints enter the contest fresh off its bye.
The Thunder continues its gauntlet against the top five teams when it hosts Nhill at Rainbow Recreation Reserve.
After losing Southern Mallee in round 15, Dimboola hopes to stay within a win of local rivals Nhill and remain in contention for a top-three finish when it travels to Alexandra Oval to face the Rats.
With a season-defining match on the horizon in round 17, the Warriors will look to build momentum against the Eagles at Anzac Park.