COHUNA v NNW UNITED
COHUNA will go into Saturday’s home game against Nyah-Nyah West United with their finals destiny in their own hands, knowing a loss will likely end their season.
After a strong start to their campaign, the Kangas have faltered after the King’s Birthday bye, winning just two of their past eight matches and desperately clinging to a spot in the top five.
The Kangas secured a seven-goal win against the Demons in round 7 thanks to an eight-goal burst in the second quarter, with NNW United proving more than competitive over the remainder of the match.
Making Cohuna’s task somewhat easier will be the absence of Steph Henson for NNW United, with the shooter breaking her wrist during the Demons’ loss to Tooleybuc-Manangatang a fortnight ago.
Sarah Gaskin will return to the visitors’ line-up to help cover the loss of Henson, with Ebony Black the only absence from an otherwise full-strength Cohuna line-up.
With their season on the line and dreams of breaking their long-standing finals drought at stake, the Kangas have too much to play for and should get the job done.
Tip – Cohuna to win by four goals.
TYNTYNDER v WOORINEN
BOTH Tyntynder and Woorinen will be hoping NNW United can get the job done against the Kangas so their highly anticipated match doesn’t descend into a dead rubber.
While the Bulldogs are just needing to win and hope for a Cohuna loss to play finals, the equation is much more difficult for the Tigers, who also need a massive, percentage-boosting win and a heavy Cohuna defeat to be any chance.
Woorinen could well be left to rue last Saturday’s final-quarter fade out against Balranald, when the Tigers went into the final break level, but were outscored 12-7.
The move of Tessa Demaria into the midcourt provided the Tigers with plenty of drive but also left their defence exposed against the Roos’ attacking third.
The question is whether Woorinen send Demaria back to their defensive third to try and counter Kelsey Rowe, or whether they throw caution to the wind knowing they require a big win.
For Tyntynder, who will have Jaclyn Rivett return to their team, it’s all about just getting the job done and hoping the Demons can do the same to keep their season going for an extra week.
Tip – Tyntynder to win by two goals.
BALRANALD v TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
TOOLEYBUC-Manangatang will fancy their chances of causing yet another upset when they travel to Greenham Park to play the finals-bound Balranald.
While the Roos are assured of playing finals, where they will finish is less certain, with the result of the Mallee Eagles and Lake Boga match-up set to have just as big of a say as their own game against the Saints.
Zoe Livingston will return for Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s final game of the year, with the Saints now boasting a strong starting seven and depth across the court which could challenge Balranald.
Laura Grant has been a revelation in defence since her late season return for the Saints, while the inclusion of goal keeper Taylah Morris further strengthen their defensive third last Saturday.
Combined with young guns Summer Blachford in goals and Jayda Plant in the centre and Tooleybuc-Manangatang have a team capable of competing with the Roos.
The challenge will be staying with them for four quarters, with Ella Mirtschin, Elli-Jane Pollard and Bonnie Jolliffe every bit as damaging as anyone the Saints can throw at them.
Tip – Balranald to win by five goals.
KERANG v SWAN HILL
SWAN Hill will go into their final home-and-away match of the season knowing that anything less than their best against a much-improved Kerang could deliver them their second loss for the season.
Having defeated the Blues by seven goals in round 7, the Swans will be confident of repeating that result, with wing defence Hayley Neuschafer missing that afternoon.
While Neuschafer will play on Saturday, so too will Denise Snyder for Kerang, with the Blues goal shooter transforming her team’s attacking third since her inclusion in the second half of the season.
Snyder will face a tough test against Tess Meney, while the battle between Zoe Morris and Chloe Adams will be one to watch – and a contest that could well decide who wins.
Tip – Swan Hill to win by six goals.
