1st: Lake Boga
Record – 12 wins, 0 losses
Percentage – 142.60
Remaining matches – Tyntynder (A), Balranald (H), Woorinen (A), Koondrook-Barham (H)
Having set the benchmark for the league, the Magpies are almost guaranteed to take out the minor premiership. Their hardest matches will be against reigning premiers Balranald and Woorinen in rounds 16 and 17, but unless they suffer significant injury woes, they should be able to finish the season undefeated.
Keep an eye on: Jemma Meehan. The Pies defender dominates in the ring week in, week out, able to shut down her opponents and force turnovers.
Predicted finish: 1st
2nd: Woorinen
Record – 11 wins, 2 losses
Percentage – 144.90
Remaining matches – Bye, Koondrook-Barham (A), Lake Boga (H), Kerang (A)
The Tigers are well positioned to finish in the top three and earn themselves a double chance in the finals series. But with a bye this week, their final ladder position will depend on their clash against Lake Boga in round 17.
Keep an eye on: Carlee Hazlett. Despite it being her first year with the Tigers, she has slotted seamlessly into their line-up, has a great ability to read the play, and isn’t afraid to go in for a contest.
Predicted finish: 3rd
3rd: Swan Hill
Record – 10 wins, 2 losses
Percentage – 160.17
Remaining matches – NNWU (A), Cohuna (H), Tyntynder (A), Balranald (H)
While a top three finish is pretty much certain, the Swans will need to win all their matches going forward to move into second place ahead of Woorinen, which is achievable for the clinical side. Their biggest test will be their grand final rematch against Balranald in round 18.
Keep an eye on: Kelsey McCoy. She is a consistent, reliable player who often dominates the midcourt with her speed and agility, and has the ability to change the play quickly.
Predicted finish: 2nd
4th: Balranald
Record – 8 wins, 4 losses
Percentage – 136.55
Remaining matches – Koondrook-Barham (H), Lake Boga (A), Kerang (H), Swan Hill (A)
Fluctuating in and out of the top five throughout the season, the reigning premiers have a pretty tough run home, taking on Lake Boga in round 16 and Swan Hill in the last round. But with a two-game buffer between them and Kerang in sixth, plus a slightly higher percentage, the Roos should just be able to scrape into the finals.
Keep an eye on: Ella Mirtschin. A part of the 2022 premiership team, the young shooter has experience playing under intense pressure, and her accuracy at the post is one of the best in the leagues.
Predicted finish: 5th
5th: Mallee Eagles
Record – 7 wins, 6 losses
Percentage – 134.48
Remaining matches – Tooleybuc-Manangatang (H), bye, NNWU (A), Cohuna (H)
Like the Roos, the Eagles have struggled to keep inside the top five this season, and the only thing currently keeping them there is their percentage. But with a relatively easy run home against bottom-placed sides, combined with Kerang’s trickier end to the season, the Eagles’ finals hopes should be able to come to fruition.
Keep an eye on: Sarah Young. Elevated into the Eagles A Grade side this season after winning A-Res League best and fairest last year, the goal keeper creates a lot of turnovers and keeps her opponents on their toes.
Predicted finish: 4th
6th: Kerang
Record – 7 wins, 6 losses
Percentage – 121.91
Remaining matches – Cohuna (A), bye, Balranald (A), Woorinen (H)
While the Blues were initially the dark horses of the 2023 competition, the second half of their season has not gone as well as their first, and they are now left scrambling to make it into the top five. The Blues will need to win all their games from here on in, and convincingly, to have any hope of claiming that crucial fifth position, but that will be a significant challenge.
Keep an eye on: Katelyn Wright. The goal defender has been a great leader on the court for the Blues, and will be an important asset for her team in their pursuit of a top five finish.
Predicted finish: 6th
7th: Tyntynder
Record – 5 wins, 8 losses
Percentage – 88.77
Remaining matches – Lake Boga (H), bye, Swan Hill (H), Tooleybuc-Manangatang (A)
Sitting two wins outside the five and still yet to face Lake Boga this weekend and Swan Hill in round 17, it is pretty much impossible for the Bulldogs to play finals this year. But the side has been competitive against some top teams in the latter half of the season, and is sure to make the Magpies and the Swans work hard for their likely wins.
Keep an eye on: Kelsey Rowe. Returning to the Dogs line-up this season, the young goal attack is the definition of a pocket rocket, with her ability to manoeuvre the ball into the ring a huge asset to her side.
Predicted finish: 7th
