It is a big weekend of milestones in the Hampden Football Netball League Open Netball Division.
Terang Mortlake star Jacqui Arundell will line up in her 150th senior match. Jacqui has progressed through the junior ranks at the Bloods and has been an outstanding senior player, highlighted by five consecutive top two finishes in the Clubs Best and Fairest counts. Jacqui, a great leader for her club but also a tremendous role model for those juniors starting out their senior career.
Two-time Dot Jenkins Medallist Ally O’Connor will play 100th senior match this weekend. What a great CV Ally already has, multiple league best and fairest wins along with premierships and VNL duties.
A hard-working mid-counter who sets herself a high bar each week, plays a high intensity game which impresses all that watch her. Ally has so much more time in the Hampden League, and there is every chance she can etch her name onto Dot Jenkins Honour Board a few more times.
Warrnambool’s Bella Baker will also play her 100th senior game this weekend, having spent her time between the Blues and Saints. A smart, well-skilled attacking end player has been a significant player in both sides she has played, and has given them great confidence when trying to set up a scoring opportunity. Bella has an outstanding work ethic, and will play a major role in the Blues successes this season.
And finally, one of the competitions best goal-shooters in Cobden’s Emily Finch will player 100th senior Cobden match at the Reid Oval. Emily, has been a huge influence behind Cobden’s recent dominance in the Open Division. Whether she plays alongside sister Jaymie or Molly Hutt in the goals, it is always a dangerous proposition for defenders. Emily is a prodigious shooter of the ball, and has shot a number of big goal hauls over the past few seasons. A well loved teamed and great member of the Cobden Bombers.
A big round of milestone, congratulations to all this weekend.
Ladder Log-Jam
The fight for a position in the top 3 and 5 will intensify this weekend and over the next few weeks in the Open Division.
South Warrnambool are happily sitting at the top of the ladder, but from second to seventh position, things are still so open.
One of the teams that I feel will shape the final five on the way home will be Portland. New coach this season, new game plan and watch out for the second half of the season, as I think they will click really nicely after already have 11 weeks to work on all facets of their craft.
Round 12 Matches
Port Fairy vs North Warrnambool (Gardens Oval)
Warrnambool vs Cobden (Reid Oval)
South Warrnambool vs Hamilton (Friendlies Society Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Portland (Ridley Recreation Reserve)
Koroit vs Camperdown (Victoria Park)
