JOEYS SET FOR TEST
ST JOSEPH’S co-coach Emily Post says her team is bracing for a fired up St Mary’s outfit when the two teams meet at Drew Reserve this Saturday.
The Joeys are coming off a 41-goal-apiece draw with Colac but have maintained second position on the GFNL ladder, while the Saints have won their past three and sit in fifth spot.
St Joseph’s held out for an eight-goal win when the two sides last met in Round 1, and Post, who has been in sublime touch through the midcourt this season, said St Mary’s was a team that could never be underestimated.
“St Mary’s is a really proud club and no matter the circumstances or who is on court or coaching — and they have had some changes in the last couple of years — they have always been a proud club,” Post said.
“We have had a jump on them early in previous years and they always come back fighting until the end so for us, St Mary’s is always a huge game.
“We never take them lightly, no matter who they are putting out.
“They have been pretty consistent with their team this year, which is good for them, and they are starting to find some really good form as well.
“Once Hannah van Gemst gets going she is pretty hard to stop and Emma Walters is coming from nationals and VNL, so she will only get stronger in the second half of the season.
“So we know it is a big game this week and coming off a draw we have a bit of fire in our bellies and are looking forward to getting out and plying a Joeys brand of netball that we know can be really successful.”
Saturday’s clash presents the first of three season-defining games for St Joseph’s, which has dates with South Barwon (fourth) and Newtown after this weekend.
Post said while the immediate focus was on St Mary’s, she was keen for Joeys to test themselves against the best.
“It is a huge month coming up for us but we are up for the challenge,” she said.
“It is a hard run but if we are having good results now against South and Newtown and can come home strong for the remainder of the season, that will be great for us as well.”