THERE will be another exciting round of Central Murray netball this weekend as the league celebrates the Indigenous Round to coincide with NAIDOC week. Some of the teams will don specially designed dresses – with the Mallee Eagles, Tyntynder and Nyah Nyah West United Demons on board to show off their stunning kits decorated with Indigenous art.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and this extends to the netball court.
One of the most exciting matches of the round will be played locally at Swan Hill’s home ground as they battle it out against top-of-the-ladder Mallee Eagles.
The Swans are looking as good as they have all season and are really gelling well with some young additions starting to shine.
The 2019 runners up the Swans will be buoyed by their fresh win against previous premiers the Woorinen Tigers – with plenty of strong performances around the court.
Swans’ goalies Greta Sheldrick and Arlee Bennett were incredible last weekend up against one of the best defensive teams in the league, with Bennett taking home the headspace player of the match award.
But the talent does not end there with GK Madeleine Nalder and GD Alivia Andrews teaming up well in defence, and WD Hayley Neuschafer, C and playing coach Zoe O’Sullivan and WA Karli McIntyre all assets through the midcourt offering plenty of opportunities.
The Swans have had a pretty successful first half of the season only losing to Balranald by eight in round three, and Kerang by 25 goals in round six.
But the Mallee Eagles are the ones to beat – currently undefeated and fresh off an eight-goal win over the Balranald Roos.
GS Kellie Walker is as accurate as can be, with stellar assistance from GA Emelia Bett in the ring.
While the team have missed defender Leah McDonald who was injured early on in the season, GD Meg Allen and GK Kyra Bennett have filled her shoes well.
And WA Sonya Lorenzoni, C Alicia Harvey and WD Tayla Anderson have all played impressively this season with a few best-on-ground performances between them – so it’s sure to be an exciting match up.
Elsewhere in the region, Nyah Nyah West United will face Tooleybuc Manangatang, Balranald will play Tyntynder, Koondrook/Barham will face Woorinen and Lake Boga will play the Cohuna Kangas.
Tooleybuc Manangatang, Balranald, Woorinen and Lake Boga will likely do well this weekend – but there are no guarantees.
