Double chance a key incentive
With a couple of Southern Mallee Giants players stuck in Melbourne, Dimboola’s upset win over the ladder leader shows opportunities for upsets remain on the cards in Wimmera netball league.
A finals double chance is still up for grabs, with Warrack Eagles and Stawell both having higher percentage than third-placed Dimboola, should they all end up on 36 points.
This weekend, Stawell will be looking to beat Horsham Saints to snatch that double chance.
The Eagles have a bye and pick up points but gain no percentage and Dimboola takes on Horsham.
Even if Ararat and Saints win this week, their percentage is lower than the other teams above them, which will keep them out of contention.
Dimboola’s win last week would provide a good boost to its confidence right before finals and a win over Horsham would ensure they hold the double chance.
Both teams have experienced seniors and are providing many opportunities for their juniors to prove their worth.
A match-up between Emma Buwalda and Olivia Jorgensen will be good to watch.
Horsham’s defensive end of Jedda
Heard and Marnie Lehmann along with Buwalda in goals should see Horsham come away with the win.
It is improbable that Horsham Saints will make the five, even with a win over Stawell, due to percentage.
But the Saints will want to end the season showing they should have been in finals.
Stawell on the other hand will be wanting to begin its finals campaign with confidence and with the hope of snaring the double chance.
The last time these two teams met, the Saints came away with the win, although Stawell was missing a couple of key players.
A Jemma Clarkson and Ashlee Grace match-up will be crucial and it might come down to which team is the most accurate or can win the most rebounds.
Stawell defenders Lisa Fleming and Rachel Wood can be underestimated and are capable of intercepting stray passes at crucial times.
Elly Barnett and Kiana Marshman for the Saints will be looking to shut down options to Zanaiya Bergen and Ebony Summers.
A clash between Ararat and Southern Mallee Giants will be interesting, with the Giants still missing players due to COVID restrictions in Melbourne.
Ararat has finished off the season strongly and will take it up to the Giants.
Steph Thomson will need to shoulder most of the shooting responsibility and Ararat defenders Rebecca Skrabl and Racquel Scott will snatch up any misfeeds.
Youth versus experience in the centre court will see Jesse Bligh and Jodie Hayes have a good battle.
Ararat will be ruing missed opportunities during the season.
It is a team which would have competed well in finals, however Saturday will be its final match for the season.
Minyip-murtoa should win game against Nhill convincingly.
The Burras have been close to higher-ranked teams all season and will look to regroup for next year. Results: Ararat d Nhill 65-39, Horsham Saints d Warrack Eagles 4836, Horsham d Minyip-murtoa 6632, Dimboola d Southern Mallee Giants 38-37. Ladder: Southern Mallee Giants 48 points, 129.21 percent; Horsham 40, 166.02; Dimboola 36, 101.26; Warrack Eagles 32, 108.93; Stawell 32, 108.27; Ararat 28, 94.98; Horsham Saints 28, 91.33; Minyipmurtoa 12, 81.57; Nhill 8, 54.11.