Netball
9 May, 2024
Tight battles on the cards
Round four of the Wimmera Football Netball League will provide tough netball contests throughout all four matches.
The Warrack Eagles host Minyip Murtoa at Anzac Park and there is a lot at stake for both teams.
The Burras haven't won a match yet and the Eagles have only one victory to their name, and with both teams boasting young lineups, a close match is expected.
Burras coach Kirby Knight said as a new team they are still trying to get their confidence and chemistry together and it's not far off.
"When you are still looking to find that first win, confidence can take a bit to come through," Knight said.
"The difference between round one and now is massive as we are not far off and slowly developing the confidence in each other.
"The Eagles are a new side and have new faces surrounded by talented experienced players and we will pay them the respect they deserve and hopefully this week is the game we win."
Eagles coach Leiah McKenzie said the focus is on four quarters.
"We are starting to achieve that consistency as a team and with a lot of youth in the team we are still fine-tuning their positions on the court and how we flow," McKenzie said.
"Our captains Ashlynn McKenzie and Sarah Marchment are leading by example week by week and having outstanding performances on game day.
"We are hopeful that our effort during pre-season and now will start to see us put points on the board."
At Hopetoun, it's the Southern Mallee Thunder's turn to face the rampaging Saints and Thunder coach Steph Thomson said they need to keep possession and play to their strengths.
"It's going to be a hard match, there is no denying that. I don't want the girls to think we will get thrashed and if it happens, it happens," Thomson said.
"Everyone was at training this week and we are working hard on keeping possession of the ball playing our game and trying to be competitive.
"They are a polished team and move the ball well and we are looking forward to the challenge."
Thomson said they are still gelling as a team and have been working hard on that aspect.
"We don't see each other and spend as much time with each other so we have incorporated goal setting," Thomson said.
"We set goals for ourselves and have a partner and share it around to get a connection happening.
"Everyone is supportive of each other and we have a nice culture and everyone is feeling good."
Saints co-coach Elly Barnett said the Thunder are an unknown quantity with new players they are facing.
"We definitely won't be taking them easy as they have quality players and there might be a bit of adjustment needed after the game starts, but we are looking forward to stepping up to the plate and hopefully can secure another win," Barnett said.
Dimboola travel to Horsham City Oval to take on the Demons in what is anticipated to be a tight match.
Both teams are in the top echelon this year and the Roos will look to win again to remain unbeaten.
Dimboola Coach Ash Morrish said they need to play their game.
"It will be a tough game and we will look at Horsham and who they have playing and who we might match up on the best," Morrish said.
"We want the girls to play the way we want to play. Against the top teams you can't get caught up in playing their way, so we just need to play our way."
Nhill travels to Stawell in what should be another tough match. Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson said it's a nice challenge.
"They were a good team last year and they have improved this year and are building nicely so we know it will be a tough game and we are looking forward to it," Clarkson said.
"We had a look at their first-round match against Dimboola and they are a physical side, so we need to be on from the start and we can't afford to play catchup."