THE Limestone Coast Women’s Football League competition is heating up as teams travel to Kybybolite for Round 4 on Sunday.
The new sides have found their feet and as a result the ladder is beginning to take shape.
Millicent and Kybybolite seem to be the front-runners after the early rounds of competition, closely followed by reigning premiers South Gambier.
Both the Saints and the northern Tigers are yet to drop a game, but the flawless record will change when they play each other next round.
With a top two position on the line, the Demons will hope to knock Millicent down a peg this weekend.
However, it will not be easy.
Glencoe, East Gambier and Kalangadoo all have the ability to contest with the top trio if they continue to improve through the short season, while West Gambier and North Gambier are both winless.
South Gambier v Millicent (11.30am)
AFTER a loss to Kybybolite in Round 1, South Gambier will look to eliminate any chances of falling further down the women’s football ladder when tackling Millicent on Sunday.
The Demons charged to a solid victory over a struggling West Gambier outfit last weekend and will hope to bring that same momentum into Sunday’s game.
However, the Saints are still undefeated and will look to continue their dominance in the competition heading into their top-of-the-table clash with Kybybolite next weekend.
Olivia Fuller has been the live-wire for Millicent in the opening three rounds and in order to keep in the contest, South will need to limit her damage.
Fuller has a big leap in the ruck – which hands her side first use of the ball – but also an accurate kick in front of goal.
However, not to be underestimated, the Demons also have their fair share of talent.
Kendell Saffin and Jasmine White have been key players in the forward line throughout the opening few rounds.
The duo have been well supported by Imogen Walker, Claudia Edmonds and Tess Clark who have all done their fair share around the ground in the opening games.
If Millicent breaks away early it could take control.
However, it is a must-win for the reigning champions if they are to keep their back-to-back premiership hopes alive.
North Gambier v East Gambier (12.40pm)
NORTH Gambier is yet to taste success in the 2018 football season and will come into its clash with East Gambier with its claws out.
The Tigers are only improving each round, but as are the Bulldogs.
Sarah Pilven and Samantha Scott played a strong four quarters despite North’s loss last weekend and will aim on bringing that same intensity into Sunday’s game.
On the other hand, East was soundly beaten by Kybybolite in Round 3 and will need to regroup in order to return to the winners list.
Neave Delaney was the only player to break free in the forward 50 and convert, which will need to change on the weekend.
Tyne Bosko and Nicola Collins have been working hard on both an offensive and defensive front, but they will need the remainder of the Bulldogs side to follow suit if it is to claim a percentage-boosting victory over North.
Glencoe All Stars v Kalangadoo (1.50pm)
DESPITE sitting on two wins apiece coming into Round 4, Glencoe is two positions clear of Kalangadoo on the ladder due to a much stronger percentage.
While this favours the All Stars, the Magpies should not be underestimated.
They may come into the clash as “underdogs”, but after a loss to Millicent last weekend, Kalangadoo will be hungry for victory.
Sharna Devereux, Chloe Long, Bianca Thorn and Chloe Pratt have been key players in the Magpies side in the opening few rounds and Glencoe will need to limit the quartet’s influence on the game.
Glencoe was barley challenged in its clash with North Gambier last weekend, holding the Tigers scoreless.
Holly Smith was a big reason behind the All Stars’ dominance.
Her work in the backline and ruck had Glencoe on the front foot early and she will again be difficult to score off this weekend.
Both sides will be eager to break away, which could result in a close and low-scoring affair.
Kybybolite v West Gambier (3pm)
IT is the matter of a top tier side versus a winless team when Kybybolite plays host to West Gambier in the final game on Sunday.
The northern Tigers are yet to drop a match, while the Roos still have not tasted victory.
It was a matter of the unknown for Kybybolite did not compete in the league’s inaugural season.
However, the Tigers’ skills and athleticism have seen them take it up to the best in the competition, including reigning premiers South Gambier.
On the other hand, West has struggled to break through, scoring just one goal for the season so far.
Cody Millard, Darcie Kuhl and Tiia Pelkonen have been doing their best to keep the Roos in each contest.
However, a four-quarter performance will be needed to stay with a dominating Kybybolite side on their home ground this weekend.
