MANY local experts are tipping Tooleybuc Manangatang versus Woorinen this weekend to be a grand final preview with their regular season form showing they are the favourites for the title.
Defending premiers Woorinen earned the bye with a minor premiership and will now look to take on the Saints who are fresh off a win against Swan Hill on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers have only had one hiccup all year, showing their dominance with Tayla Stanley up in the attacking circle, while defenders Tessa Burton and Madeleine Jeans will hold the fort.
The Saints will need another strong performance from goal shooter Zoe Fuller, who dropped important long-range goals for her side against Swan Hill at crucial points, and goal attack Kasey Winton who was strong on and off the ball to help her partner.
This match is riddled with key match-ups across the court and is set to be a cracker of a grand final qualifier.
Tooleybuc Manangatang coach Melanie Wait said her side was looking forward to the key clash.
“We are looking forward to the challenge, they have been the leaders in the league and we know what we want and what we need to do,” she said.
“Their defence is really strong, so we need to focus on our goalies working well, and shooting well.
“Tayla Stanley is a strong avenue for goal for them, so our defence needs to be good. I am really confident in our side, we stepped up last week when we needed to and I am confident we can get the job done.
“Our focus is to get four consistent quarters going and I guess you never know what could happen on the day.”
The winner of this match will go into the grand final with assumed favouritism, but the loser is not guaranteed to make an easy trip into the big dance.
The Tigers are coming fresh off a bye and could relish the chance to show off their top netball in what should be a capacity crowd to see the tussle out at Nyah Recreation Reserve.
