AS unlikely as it seems, Swan Hill will go into Saturday’s match against Koondrook-Barham not only desperate to win, but also hoping for a miracle.
If Tooleybuc-Manangatang and Cohuna both lose on Saturday and the Swans defeat the Raiders, then fifth spot will be up for grabs, providing Swan Hill can bridge a 90 goal gap in percentage to the Saints.
That is unlikely to happen, especially against a Koondrook-Barham outfit who have won their past six matches and are beginning to emerge as the greatest threat to the unbeaten Mallee Eagles in this year’s finals series.
While the Swans season looks set to end on Saturday, the Raiders is just getting started, with a win for the tri-colours almost certainly locking in a top three finish and the prized double chance.
With Koondrook-Barham spending several seasons anchored to the bottom of the ladder, including last year, Koondrook-Barham co-coach Emma Peacock told The Guardian there was a feeling of “excitement” around the club currently.
“Everyone around the club at the moment, all the supporters, sponsors, families, absolutely everyone is stoked that they’re going to get the opportunity to cheer their team on in a finals series,” Peacock said this week.
“There’s been a bit of a change within the club over the past couple of months and everyone’s really excited for what’s ahead and even the prospect of maybe hosting a final with their team in it.
“It’s always important to have that second chance and given that we (Koondrook-Barham) haven’t played finals in a long time, that double chance will be really beneficial for us to get a feel of it firstly and no matter what, get two cracks at it.”
The Raiders have talent across every line, with Emma Peacock commanding their defensive third, Elly Bookham and Remy Doyle attacking through the middle and Erin Moerenhout emerging as one of the recruits of the season in the ring.
Although Koondrook-Barham’s depth that across the court is one of their big strengths, the match will most likely be decided in the centre third according to Swan Hill coach Casey Frame.
“They have a very talented team, especially in defence with Emma (Peacock) who is such an amazing player, but I honestly think it’s going to be won and lost in the midcourt,” Frame said.
“Their shooters aren’t overly tall, but they’re both really consistent and they shoot really well.
“They have a very even spread in that they don’t have one dominant goalie, but I think our team is very similar in that way.
“I think we match up really well in certain aspects of the court, but I always say it will be won and lost in the midcourt.
“If we can apply the pressure and we can alleviate the ball coming into our defenders quickly, I feel like we can win plenty of ball and hopefully capitalise in attack.”
Both teams will go in with different line-ups to their last matches, with the Raiders missing defender Sophie Peacock for the must-win match.
Her absence will see twin sister Emma move to goal keeper, with Ayla McGowan to come off the bench and play wing defence.
For Swan Hill, experienced duo Karli McIntyre and Mollie Quin will return after missing the Swans’ eight-goal loss to Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
The news isn’t all good for Swan Hill though, with goal shooter Kelly Bonney set to miss the final match of the home-and-away season.
The match-up between McIntyre and Raiders young gun Remy Doyle promises to be an important one, as will the head-to-head battle between Swan Hill’s Hayley Neuschafer and Koondrook-Barham co-coach Elly Bookham.
While both clubs appear evenly matched in the midcourt, it’s at either end of the court where the home side should have the advantage.
Tip – Koondrook-Barham to win by six goals.
