SWANS AND LIONS FINALLY MEET AGAIN
SHEPPARTON SWANS AND SEYMOUR LOCK HORNS TWO YEARS AFTER THEIR LAST CLASH IN 2019
A date with Goulburn Valley League netball’s reigning premier awaits Shepparton Swans tomorrow.
The last meeting between the pair came more than two years ago, but the circumstances surrounding the tie has changed drastically in the time that has passed since an 18-goal loss delivered to the Swans at Princess Park.
In 2019 Seymour was on a warpath, peaking at the perfect time to clinch the f lag.
The Swans were always in the race that year, but bowed out to Shepparton in a gut-wrenching elimination final defeat.
Now, four points are all that separates the two powers.
Seymour was dealt its third loss of the campaign in its most recent outing, put to the sword 48-31 by a Mooroopna side that has turned heads this year.
The Swans snuck past 10thplaced Rochester, but according to coach Jana Bruinier, perhaps were not as convincing in success as they should have been.
“Rochester was a much tougher opponent than their ladder position suggested, but hopefully it blew out a few cobwebs and we’re ready to go,” Bruinier said.
“I think we were a bit too relaxed in training regarding our intensity, and at one stage we found ourselves nine goals down.
“We’ll reflect on that and change up the way we prepare for this weekend.”
Bruinier’s side was stretched all the way in a 36-33 white knuckler over the Tigers.
However, the Swans coach was largely thankful for the chance to get out on the court and felt it was a needed freshener before the test of Seymour.
“I think everyone is in the same boat in that most teams are struggling to be well prepared at the moment,” she said.
“I think we’re much better for it heading into the Seymour game after running out last weekend.”
Bruinier also noted the Swans would be without NSW-based goaler Chelsea McDonald for the weekend, indicating the opportunity would fall the way of Cara Woodman beneath the ring.
“It will be a good challenge for Cara who has come up through the under-17s,” she said.
“She has played well so far, and this will put a bit more pressure on her to play 60 minutes, which we expect her to be able to do.”