Shepparton United coach Kate Chapman has her side daring to dream.
The Northern Country Women’s League outfit sits second on the ladder ahead of the final round of the campaign and approaches the finals series with a truckload of confidence.
United, which defeated the reigning premier a fortnight ago, is fresh off defeating Tatura by 27 points in round 11 action on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re feeling like we’re on fire to be honest,” Chapman said.
“We had a really good win over the reigning premier the other week and that has boosted everyone’s confidence and we’re ready to rock and roll ahead of finals.”
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In the zone: United's captain Melissa Foster. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 10
Winding up: United's Zahra Kelly tries to get a kick away under pressure from Tatura's Clarise Gale. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 10
Head over the ball: Tatura's Sarah Lange-Richards. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 10
Eyes on the ball: United's Areaka Bamblett. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 10
Send it long: Tatura's Michelle Cobbledick. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 10
Ruck duel: United's Rebecca Monk competes in the ruck against Tatura's Olivia Marshall. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 10
Dish it off: United's Emma Keady. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 10
Under pressure: Tatura's Sarah Pearson tries to get a kick away while United's Madison Dowell applies the tackle. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 9 of 10
Get around her: United's captain Melissa Foster celebrates a goal with her teammates. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 10 of 10
Off the ground: United's Simone Carkeek. Photo by Aydin PaynePlayed under blue skies at Kialla, it was a game full of camaraderie and fair play as United’s captain Melissa Foster starred with an impressive individual performance.
Foster was a delight to watch and made her presence known at each contest and in front of the big sticks where she was able to hit the scoreboard with two majors.
Areaka Bamblett (two goals) was another to showcase her talents, with the classy winger hitting the scoreboard and providing plenty of run.
Rebecca Monk stood out in the ruck, while Jane Doyle, Robyn Hood and Matilda Henderson rounded out the better players.
For Tatura, on-baller Sarah Lange-Richards was a standout, while Clarise Gale and Olivia Marshall battled hard.
“Every time we play Tatura it’s always played in great spirits. The main focus is on the ball and game whenever we play,” Chapman said.
“One of their girls played her 50th game and we all gave her a guard of honour, it’s a pretty big achievement when you consider that sometimes the seasons only consist of 10 or 12 games.
“Melissa was a standout for us and she just leads by example by putting her body on the line every time. Areaka put in another blinder as well after missing a couple of games.”