With only three Rounds to play the opportunity to secure a top 3 finish is wide open. Whilst North Warrnambool currently hold third spot, they have a tough run home coming up against both South Warrnambool and Cobden in the last rounds. Only four points behind are Koroit who have an easier run home and have a higher percentage. Warrnambool take up the fifth spot but are a game and a half behind Koroit.
A Cap of Last Week’s Results
South Warrnambool defeated Hamilton Kangaroos by 9 goals. Hollie Phillips scoring well for the Roosters with 42 goals and Clare Crawford was accurate in attack for the Tigers with 21 goals and a best on court performance.
North Warrnambool comfortably accounted for Terang Mortlake with a 16 goal win. The Eagles experimented with a few positional changes and were down by a goal at the first break but were able to fight back and scored a good win. Eboni Knights had another strong game in attack for the Bloods scoring 27 goals.
Koroit had a percentage boosting win over Camperdown winning by 26 goals. Nell Mitchell was back to her best scoring 35 goals for the Saints and Krystal Baker recorded 18 goals for the Magpies.
Heidi Jones from Portland had an outstanding game in attack scoring 29 goals and helping her team take a 15 goal win over Port Fairy.
The Top 5 prior to this Round
South Warrnambool, 54 points, 142.09 percent; Cobden 46 points, 139.30 percent; North Warrnambool, 46 points, 119.24 percent; Koroit, 42 points, 120.48 percent; Warrnambool, 36 points, 98.46 percent.
Milestone Games
This week we Congratulate Emily Forrest who will play her 150th Open game for the Port Fairy FNC. Emily played her first Open game as a 15 year old in 2010. Emily was a member of the 2016 Open premiership team, has won multiple Club Best and Fairest awards and has also represented the HFNL at the Association Championships. As well as playing Open she is currently Assistant Coach for the Open team and has been a great role model for the younger players at the Club guiding them both on and off the court. Congratulations Emily, a great effort!
I also wish to congratulate Rachel Dobson who plays her 150th Open Game this weekend for the Koroit Saints.
Good luck to both girls who will play off against each other!
Umpire Accreditation
Congratulations to Lauren Westhorpe from South Warrnambool who successfully obtained her B Badge accreditation in Umpiring last weekend. Lauren has been working hard to develop her Umpiring skills during the season so this is a great result for Lauren. Well Done!
Congratulations also to Nat O’Dea from the Hamilton Kangaroos who was awarded her C Badge accreditation last week.
My Predictions for this Week.
Warrnambool take on Camperdown this week. Camperdown have worked well on developing their younger players this season and have a lot to look forward in the next few years but Warrnambool will be working hard to ensure they are at their best approaching finals and should take the win here.
Koroit are gaining momentum at the right end of the season and will be too strong all over the court for Port Fairy and will have a comfortable win.
Cobden host the Hamilton Kangaroos at the Community Bank Recreation Reserve. Despite not making finals the Kangaroos have been very competitive this season but Cobden have been in good form in recent weeks and will have too much to lose if they drop this game. Cobden should take the points here.
Terang Mortlake verse Portland in what will be a tough contest. Portland’s experience in defence will be a key factor and have a bit more depth than the Bloods. I think Portland will win a close game.
In the final game, South Warrnambool take on the Eagles at the Friendlies. This will certainly be a great contest and a must win for the Eagles if they are to hold third spot. North Warrnambool at their best have the ability to shut down opportunities for the Roosters strong attacking circle and may do enough to get over the line, just.
Good Luck to all the Junior Teams competing in the Junior Semi Finals on Sunday and best of luck to everyone else participating in both football and netball this weekend.
Author: Josie Logan