This weekend’s highly-anticipated Picola District Netball League clash between Strathmerton and Waaia could very well be a preview of what’s to come in September.
The two A-grade netball powerhouses go-head-to-head at Strathmerton Recreation Reserve this Saturday in a first-versus-second encounter.
Coach Olivia Osborne said recent performances, and a Bulldogs side nearing full-strength, left her feeling quietly confident ahead of the Bombers match-up.
“We’re pretty excited, we’ve had a couple of nice, consistent games over the last couple of weeks,” Osborne said.
“We’re looking like we’ll be pretty close to full strength, Amy Carter had a week off so hopefully she’s back, she brings a bit of strength into our shooting end.
“We’ve had Kate Betson for her fifth game back now, her fitness and leadership in the team is really starting to gel.
“Caitlyn Price in defence is playing really well, she’s very versatile between goal defence and goal keeper — the whole team is very versatile, we can make changes if the matchups aren’t right.”
Strathmerton has suffered just one defeat this season, and it came back in round one against Waaia.
Osborne said her side had gone from strength to strength this year since the Bombers loss.
“They had us seven goals down and chasing pretty early in that game, the plan is to come out harder than they did and instead of trailing and trying to peg it back, get out to an early lead,” she said.
“We’re expecting them to come out firing, we probably weren’t fit enough in round one, and me as a new coach, I probably wasn’t prepared for the quality that Waaia produced.”
“It’ll be a really good chance to see where we’re at.”
Elsewhere this weekend, both Tungamah and Katandra have enjoyed superb form of late, and will go head-to-head on Saturday in what is sure to be a thriller.
Katunga takes on the Deni Rovers after a two-week break for the Swans, while Jerilderie take on Blighty in a must-win clash for the Dees.
It’s a must-win proposition for Rennie as well, who will hope to secure a crucial four points in a clash with Blighty.