O’donnell inspiration
Former Australian vice-captain Shelly O’donnell was a part of perhaps some of the most talented midcourt netball combinations the Diamonds have ever seen.
Alongside former team-mates Carissa Tombs, Simone Mckinnis and Sue Kenny, she helped Australia dominate international netball through much of the 1990s. They were too quick for the Poms and confused the Silver Ferns with their speed before often breaking their hearts in thrilling one-goal wins in world championship finals.
An 84-cap international veteran, often playing at wing attack, O’donnell could easily run through the centre and wear down any opponent like a well-trained sheep dog, always competing to create an inspirational moment for her team to win.
O’donnell joined the action between Horsham and Warrack Eagles at Horsham City Oval last week as part of a Worksafe Game of the Month.
With just two rounds remaining in Wimmera Netball Association, the top five teams that will play off in finals are all but assured.
But with the final two rounds likely to determine the final rankings, there’s still plenty of time to jostle for spots.
Ararat edged out Nhill at home in a tight tussle and Minyip-murtoa stamped its authority over Dimboola Roos as they continued their solid form into finals.
Horsham Demons bounced back to the winners list, clipping Warrack Eagles’ wings and Horsham Saints continued their march into finals with a day out over winless Stawell Warriors.
When Nhill Tigers line up to play against their old Hindmarsh foe Dimboola this weekend, they will be disappointed not to get a finals berth.
But the Tigers should hold their heads high. What they have achieved has not gone unnoticed and if they are lucky enough to regain the services of coach Tarrah Dodds for season 2018, as well as the playing group, future success will come.
Ant Toet’s Roos won’t underestimate them, especially when the Roos would like to finish third.
The Tigers’ Emma Beer has been a strength under the post all season. She creates solid connections in attack for her team, with the likes of versatile Brittany Keller and Jessica Smith.
Dodds will have a big job down the other end, hoping to cause disruption for Dimboola goalies Nicole Polycarpou and Billie-jo Barber.
If Minyip-murtoa’s Kirby Knight can shoot 33 goals in a half of netball, Horsham Saints had better pack the Caris sisters. What I love about both these sides is that they have tested their squads with options and versatility across the season.
The fearless young Saints, with Maggie Caris under the post and zippy Tara Jasper out in front, have developed nicely. Experienced Saints coach Jess Cannane will keep her squad in line as it looks to bounce the Burras.
The Burras will look to get on top of things early, and with plenty of options up front and strength down the back through reliable defensive duo Stevie Bibby and Stefanie Cooper, will hope to gain some breathing space.
Ararat Rats won’t play finals, but they do have a chance to disrupt Warrack Eagles’ plans of finishing third.
It will be a tough task at Anzac Park, but for both sides a good start is paramount to how their team will finish.
The Eagles will rely on the consistency of solid back trio Jenna Schulz, Penny Fisher and Jess Kelly to provide plenty of opportunities, while for the Rats, speedy midcourters Jessica Williamson and Lauren Armstrong will have plenty of drive.
For Stawell Warriors, a visit from reigning premiers Horsham Demons should be anything but intimidating.
The Warriors can dissect the play and try to force a breakdown of connections and ball flow into young Demon Emma Buwalda. Round-14 results: Ararat d Nhill 5241, Minyip-murtoa d Dimboola 6634, Horsham d Warrack Eagles 52-34, Horsham Saints d Stawell 60-37.