Ammos tinker with their team combos

GEELONG Amateur kept the pressure on Torquay for the minor premiership with a 36goal win over Drysdale — and in the process developed some new combinations ahead of the finals.

With a top-two finish sewn up, Ammos coach Vanessa Sgambaro tried a number of different combinations across the court as she looks to develop a versatile squad without shooter Maisie Barlow (ACL).

“It was actually a great day because … I tried a few different varieties in our attack end and defensive, so it was a good opportunity for me to see a few things before finals,” Sgambaro said.

“I started Breda O’Kane and Karina (Sproal) in goal shooter.

“The goaling end, we’ve sort of had our three main goalers most of the way through.

“It’s more our mid-courters we’ve been playing with a little bit and just looking at the connection feeding into those goalers.

“Kate Schippers went in there, she went into goal attack … and did a great job and blended well with Karina in shooter.

“And then I had Breda and Kate in there together as well.

“We’ve got such versatility though that Kate swung into our goal defence in the last quarter.”

Sproal (27 from 34), O’Kane (17 from 21) and Schippers (16 from 18) shared the spoils, while Ash Salter (centre, wing defence) was her side’s best.

Sgambaro said she was not looking to settle on a preferred combination.

“To be honest, the top five teams, they all bring different things,” she said. “I think (for) the likes of Torquay I would put forward a different starting (line-up) to Modewarre. It’s about the best match-up come finals time.

“I think it will be different against each team, to be honest. It’s handy having such strength and versatility in this team.”

With Torquay unlikely to slip up against Newcomb on Saturday, Ammos look destined to finish in second position.