BALRANALD v KERANG
AFTER disappointing finishes to last season, both Balranald and Kerang will be desperate to make amends starting with their round 1 clash on Saturday.
After starting last season as one of the Central Murray’s big improvers, the Blues’ 2023 campaign fell away late as injuries took their toll, with Kerang eventually finishing sixth and missing the finals altogether.
It was a similar story for Balranald, with the 2022 premiers constantly devastated by injuries and eventually crashing out in the elimination final at the hands of the Eagles.
Jess Parry will once again lead Balranald, along with Elli-Jane Pollard, with the Roos also set to welcome back Taylin Barry and Jordyn Jolliffe from injury.
Kerang on the other hand will be confident of causing an upset at Greenham Park, with Danielle Coates and Shannon Baird among the new faces set to play their first match for the Blues on Saturday.
With both clubs expected to be among the teams to beat this season, an early win will be the perfect confidence booster for both the Roos and Blues, with the home side to go in as slight favourites.
Tip – Balranald to win by two goals.
TYNTYNDER v COHUNA
AFTER missing finals last season, both Tyntynder and Cohuna will out to start their 2024 campaigns off with a win when they meet at the Alan Garden Reserve on Saturday.
Both clubs will be hoping a change of coaches brings about a change in fortunes, with Kelsey Rowe taking over from Teagan Lawry as Bulldogs coach while Georgia Anderson will lead the Kangas into battle this season.
The Kangas could well prove to be one of the league’s big improvers, with Carly Geary and Ebony Black expected to form a strong defensive combination for Cohuna, with reigning best and fairest Kobie McIvor and experienced midcourter Annie Toma also returning.
Tyntynder will also have several changes to their line-up this season, with Rowe hopeful a new look midcourt will give her side the impetus needed against the Kangas on Saturday.
“Jackie Rivett and Elvie Kelly-Britten will step up into A grade this year and both will give us a big lift through the midcourt,” Rowe said.
“Their attacking skills and their defensive pressure will really make a difference for us, along with Bridgette King, who is also stepping up into A grade this year.
“We want to make a good impression and set ourselves up for the season ahead.
“We’ve had a huge pre-season so hopefully that pays off, but now it’s about gelling and connecting with one another.
“Hopefully we will improve and the aim is to play finals netball, but we’ll just start with round 1 and take it from there.”
Tip – Tyntynder to win by three goals.
TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG v MALLEE EAGLES
AFTER several seasons near the top of the Central Murray A grade ladder, the Mallee Eagles enter 2024 as the great unknown – starting with their clash against Tooleybuc-Manangatang on Saturday.
The Eagles will field a vastly different side to last year, with Meg Allen, Kellie Walker, Sonya Lorenzoni and Emelia Shannahan all having flown the nest over the off-season.
The news isn’t all bad, however, with Leah McKenzie set to return, while Kasey Torr and Gemma Miller will also don the blue and gold this season.
The Saints on the other hand will go into this season and Saturday’s match against the Eagles with a settled line-up, with Leonie Kentish expected to replace Olivia Fowler, who is unavailable.
While Tooleybuc-Manangatang should improve, with Rhiann O’Meara a big inclusion and the continued development of Jayda Plant and Summer Blachford, the Eagles’ class and experience should see them prove too strong in the end.
Tip – Mallee Eagles to win by 10 goals.
KOONDROOK-BARHAM v NNW UNITED
KOONDROOK-Barham and Nyah-Nyah West United will be looking to give their young squads an early taste of success when they open their seasons on Saturday afternoon at the Barham Rec Reserve.
The Raiders went winless throughout last season and will once again look to develop their talented juniors such as Remy Doyle, who is currently involved in the Bendigo Strikers’ elite coaching program.
NNW United, on the other hand, will be hoping to climb up the ladder under new coach Madison Jones, with the Demons welcoming back Matika Mitchell this season and Sarah Gaskin, with the latter set to partner Steph Henson in goals this season.
Mitchell, meanwhile, looks set to move into the Demons’ midcourt alongside Lucy Millard and Chloe Threadgold, with the inclusion of last year’s Golden Rivers league best and fairest likely to help get the red and blue over the line.
Tip – NNW United to win by 12 goals.
