WITH a 2-1 record and a healthy percentage, Nyah-Nyah West United appear to be one of the Central Murray’s big improvers this season.
But a their clash with the Mallee Eagles at Nyah Recreation Reserve-Court 1 on Saturday will tell us a lot more about where Madi Jones and her Demons sit.
Jones, coach of the second-placed side, said last year’s preliminary finalists would provide “a real test for our girls”.
She said the team would go into the game a bit more prepared than they did for the four-goal loss to Woorinen in round 2.
“It will be a big thing mentally for our girls to just stay focused on our game plan,” Jones said.
“We played a consistent four quarters last week (against Tooleybuc-Manangatang), which was great, and we’ll need to do the same again.
“We didn’t waver from our plans for the game and when we did, the girls were really good at picking themselves up out of a lull and getting back to what they needed to do.
“It would be great to get the win and start the season 3-1, it would be a big confidence boost for our girls, but we know we need to put in the hard work first.
“The Eagles are always tough opposition and we’ll need to be at our best, but it would be nice to prove to the competition that we’re contenders this year.”
The game also provides an opportunity for their opponents, the Eagles currently sitting seventh on the ladder with one win from two matches.
Mallee coach Jess Jobling was aware of what wins now could mean later in the year, given what’s expected to be a competitive race for top-five spots.
“The bye meant it’s been a bit of an interrupted start for us, we just need to try and get as many wins on the board early as we can,” Jobling said.
“We have some tough games coming up after this one with Kerang and Lake Boga, so we really need to make sure we get the result.
“The biggest challenge for us is that we’re a very new side and I feel like we’ll only get better each week.
“The vibe coming off the court, even though we lost last Saturday (to Swan Hill), the vibe was very positive and exciting, I think everyone is ready to grow and adapt as a team together – I feel like we can only go up from here.”
Both teams were expected to go into the match unchanged, making the midcourt battle key.
Matika Mitchell’s move into the centre has been a masterstroke for NNW United, along with Chloe Threadgold and Lucy Millard in the middle third.
The Eagles’ combination of co-coaches Jobling and Alicia Harvey, with Leah McKenzie, will pose a significant challenge, along with their defensive pairing of Laura Sheahan and Neveah Roberts, according to Demons coach Jones.
“Their defence is very strong along with their midcourt,” Jones said.
“It’ll be important for our girls to keep their composure and keep playing our game.
“Our strength is through the midcourt, especially with ‘Teeks’ (Mitchell) in the middle, she’s a really big advantage for us this year.
“Having the option of running her through the middle, rather than just in defence, is huge for us.”
While the Demons will be full of confidence, the team who is able to convert their turnovers is likely to give themselves a massive advantage.
Tip – Mallee Eagles to win by six goals.
