CENTRAL Murray’s round 2 of netball will have a number of exciting matches, but none will surpass the competition between last year’s second and third on the ladder.
The Mallee Eagles, fresh off a powerful victory against Koondrook Barham (89 v 28), will face Swan Hill in their first game of the season.
Vicki McDonald’s Eagles side has already shown their skill on court with consistent players like Kellie Walker, Emelia Bett and Meg Allen dominating last week.
Sonya Lorenzoni and Tayla Anderson are also players to watch this season.
The Eagles they will be properly put through their paces up against Swan Hill who are always strong however, though they will have the home court advantage.
This year the Swans do not have an A-grade coach but rather a leadership group of talented netballers Mads Nalder, Kelsey McCoy and Mollie Quin.
Nalder was a terrific performer in 2021, with the defender a 2015 CMFNL best and fairest teaming up well with the 2012 award recipient in Karli McIntyre (nee Livingston) through the centre.
“Mads is the ultimate communicator and leader that every netball squad needs,” a Swans spokesperson said.
“She has a wealth of netball knowledge to share and a strong desire to finesse every player’s game.
“Her closing speed and ability to dictate play and turn over a ball is nothing short of inspirational.”
Meanwhile McCoy leads the way in attack with “speed, agility and ability to put the ball in the space”.
Quin is also known for intelligent defensive work, her “great athleticism”, “unbelievable jump and reach on court”.
One of the young Swans to keep an eye on this coming game will be Alivia Andrews in defence who will working hard to keep Mallee’s goalies in control, and teaming up with Quin and Nalder.
Elsewhere in the region, Cohuna will play reigning minor premiers Balranald with the Roos likely to get the win. Lake Boga and Koondrook-Barham, and Tyntynder and Tooleybuc-Manangatang will be relatively evenly matched.
Nyah was scheduled to play Kerang who have not managed to form an A-grade side so they will have the week off, as will Woorinen who have a bye.
In the Heathcote League, Leitchville-Gunbower will have their first match against Huntly.
Golden Rivers will also begin as Quambatook play Nullawil, Ultima play Moulamein, Wandella play Hay, and Murrabit play Macorna.
The Loddon Valley games will include Bears Lagoon Serpentine Seniors against Calivil United, Newbridge against Mitiamo, Inglewood against Maiden Gully, and Marong v Bridgewater.
Meanwhile in the North Central League, Wedderburn will play Wycheproof-Narraport, Sea Lake-Nandaly will play Charlton, Boort will play Birchip-Watchem, and St Arnaud will face Donald.
