Round to set netball scene

Wimmera Netball Association fans will keep a close eye on action this weekend in games set to be an early teaser of a competitive year.

Warrack Eagles host their Yarriambiack neighbour Minyipmurtoa at Warrcknabeal’s Anzac Park, which should be a treat for spectators.

Nhill Tigers will welcome Stawell Warriors to Davis Park, where they will be keen to come out of the blocks early with a home-court advantage.

Horsham Saints and Dimboola will have no wet-weather concerns at Coughlin Park stadium, and a fresh-faced Ararat side will welcome a test presented by reigning premiers Horsham Demons.

If early results are anything to go by, when Warrack Eagles host the Burras it will be a hotly contested battle full of skill. While the Burras have sharp-shooter Kirby Knight up front, the Eagles have classy defender Penny Fisher causing headaches down back. The Eagles’ engine room will be led by centre Emma Koschitzke who will relish a likely match-up on Burras playmaker Spencer Smith.

Under the post for the Eagles, consistent goalie Megan Werner will lock horns with talented 2016 Heather Hatcher medallist Stevie Bibby.

Nhill coach Tarrah Dodds will ask her midcourt duo of Ellen Bennett and Jessica Smith to continue to work hard in the middle against Stawell. The Warriors will look to versatile Jemma Clarkson in attack to direct plenty of the play towards goaling partner Ebony Summers. For both sides, this game is important in establishing a breakthrough victory.

Horsham Saints will host Dimboola, and with plenty of homegrown talent will be keen to upset the Roos. Roos goal shooter Billie-jo Barber is a reliable target and will look to youngster Rianna Kuhne to deliver her plenty of quality balls off the wing.

Saints co-coach Jess Cannane will have plenty to say about that, and will look to create turnovers.

Horsham Demons meet Ararat at Alexandra Oval. Ararat will be led strongly from defence by Rebecca Skrabl. An even contribution by Rats goalies Tahnee Walker and Cecilia Stewart is also pleasing for a side, because it brings the goal attack into the game as a viable scoring option and not just a third feeder.

The Demons will be up for the challenge with talented all-rounder Abbie Avery leading from the front and looking to give opportunities to goalies Emma Buwalda and Brittany Nitschke. Round one results: Ararat d Stawell 49-28, Warrack Eagles d Dimboola 56-39, Minyip-murtoa d Nhill 44-21.