AFTER winning their past four matches, Cohuna will be out to claim their first big scalp when they host Swan Hill on Saturday.
The Kangas have proven themselves to be genuine contenders over the past month, wins over perennial finalists Woorinen and the Mallee Eagles lifting them to third on the Central Murray ladder with a 4-1 win-loss record.
As good as their start to the season has been, there is no bigger statement than beating the undefeated reigning premiers.
That test awaits Georgia Anderson and her team at home.
“We’re pretty keen for the challenge, we’re not nervous or apprehensive, we’re just keen to test ourselves once against another quality opponent,” Anderson said.
“We know this year’s all about development, so it’s about going in with that mindset that we’ve got nothing to lose.
“No matter what the outcome is, our girls know that we’re implementing working on a form of netball and a style that’s going to help us gain momentum in the years to come.
“We have the mentality that we’ve got nothing to lose, they are the team to beat this year in my opinion, so it will be great to see where we are at compared to the top side.”
While Swan Hill will be favourites, the Kangas have proven a tough combination to break down, with a strong defensive unit and a midcourt combination that likes to transition the ball with speed.
Swan Hill co-coach Madeleine Nalder knows her team will need to be at their best to keep their unbeaten start intact.
“It’s going to be a real test for us, but it’s one that we’re looking forward to, just to see where we’re at as a team,” Nalder said.
“We’re looking forward to challenging ourselves and seeing the things that we’re doing well, as well as the areas where we need to improve, because we have a couple of tough weeks coming up starting with Cohuna because they’re in red-hot form.
“We just need to focus on getting a good start, which I think will help us settle into the game quicker and find our rhythm, which is when we play our best netball.
“We know it will take a full-court effort from everyone for us to get the win because we are a new team with new combinations, we’re still trying to consolidate those combinations and Saturday will be a good test for us in that regard.”
Swan Hill are expected to have an unchanged line-up after Zoe Morris got through her return from injury in last weekend’s 23-goal win over NNW United.
Cohuna will welcome back Taylor Hird, the wing attack declared fit and giving Anderson a full-strength squad to choose from.
Morris appears to be the danger player, the Swans goal shooter scoring 30 goals in just over a half of netball against the Demons and partnering perfectly with the equally-powerful Casey Frame.
While the Swans attacking third can often pose problems for most teams, Cohuna may well have the defence to negate that threat, with Carly Geary, Ebony Black and Marli Easton developing a strong defensive combination throughout the early rounds of the season.
“We’ll be focusing on our brand of netball and playing to our strengths, we have height and agility, but we also have plenty of speed as well,” Anderson said.
“The key thing for us will be playing our brand of netball and staying focused on ourselves, we only need to worry about our game and not drop our heads.
“For me, the difference between the good and great teams is how they maintain their consistency throughout the four quarters and that you don’t give up until the final whistle, that’s the brand of netball we want to be known by.
“They (Swan Hill) are a highly skilled team across the court and have a good balance between defence and attack, their goalers are tall and will pose a real challenge, but across the court, they’re very strong.
“But I know if we play to our best, we can challenge them.”
Tip – Swan Hill to win by four goals.
