A top-of-the-table clash may await her side this weekend, but Shepparton East coach Erynn Hueston says it’s business as usual for the Eagles.
Shepparton East hits the highway on Saturday to take on Nagambie in a battle that will leave the victor on top of the Kyabram District League A-grade ladder.
The round 13 clash will be the first of two encounters between the two heavyweights in the next month of action.
Nagambie recently drew with Tallygaroopna — a feat the Eagles achieved in round six — while East has quietly gone about building its impressive 11-1-0 record.
“We’ve just been going about our business and just keeping things simple,” Hueston said.
“It’s been a case of taking it one week at a time. With illness and everything else at the moment you’re not sure how you or your opponent will look.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve got plenty of depth at the club; we’ve got girls who could step up and play A-grade and it definitely makes my job that little bit easier.”
Nagambie is set to be one of East’s biggest tests since the club’s draw with Tallygaroopna in round six.
The Lakers’ attacking end took a hit with gun talent Sharni Lloyd suffering a calf injury a fortnight ago, however, Rylee Alderton has done a mega job in goals.
East defenders Leticia Keady and Sarah Maskell look to be the obvious opponents for Alderton.
“It’s going to be a very tight contest; a really physical and demanding game,” Hueston said.
“Nagambie are on top for a reason.
“I think it will come down to who is able to create turnovers and then be able to capitalise on those turnovers.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge (this weekend) and the next month. We know it’s not an easy ride, obviously with Nagambie twice and then Dookie and Violet Town, but that preparation is great before finals begin. We know we need to work hard to keep inside the top four.”
Around the courts, the battle for eighth spot is heating up.
Lancaster, who sits level on four wins with Avenel, gets a chance to climb the ladder with an away match against winless Undera.
Dookie United, coming off a stellar win over Tallygaroopna, is at home to Longwood, while Girgarre is set to welcome Rushworth.
Fifth-placed Violet Town faces a big test when it takes on Tallygaroopna.
Lastly, Avenel gets a chance to showcase it is finals material with an away game to Stanhope, and Murchison-Toolamba hits the road to take on Merrigum.