IT will take some serious upsets to disrupt the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League ladder as the competition edges one week closer to the grand final.
The premiership race has come down to three sides – the top two advancing to the grand final next weekend.
Millicent, Kybybolite and South Gambier all sit on 10 points, with just percentage separating the trio.
The Demons – who claimed the inaugural premiership honours last season – are relying on matches to fall their way in Round 7 of the competition on Sunday in order for them to be in with a chance.
The closeness of the top three sets the stage for an interesting weekend of football at Glencoe.
South Gambier v Kalangadoo – 11.30am
SOUTH Gambier must claim a percentage-boosting victory over Kalangadoo on Sunday if it is to have any chance at a grand final berth and back-to-back premiership honours in this season’s Limestone Coast women’s football competition.
A seven-point loss in the opening round against Kybybolite has put the Demons’ season in jeopardy.
However, an upset victory over Millicent in recent rounds has allowed South back into the finals race and a big win is needed this weekend.
The Demons sit just outside the top two – due to percentage – and will need to bank on either Millicent or Kybybolite going down in their games this weekend – or claim a massive victory and see how the cards fall.
Those games are out of South’s control and as a result it will turn its concentration to the task at hand, defeating an improving Kalangadoo outfit.
The Magpies are coming off a solid three-quarter performance against East Gambier.
A slip up in the final term cost Kalangadoo the win and as a result the Magpies will be hungry for a win.
If it is to keep up with the reigning premiers, Kalangadoo will need big efforts from Abbey Shannon, Chloe Long, Sharna Devereux and Alyssa Boylan, who have all shown their skills in recent rounds.
However, they will find it tough to stop the likes of Tess Clark, Imogen Walker, Tilah Buckingham and Zoe Duncan who have been consistent performers throughout the full season.
With a grand final berth on the line, it is likely the Demons will put the game beyond doubt early and power their way to a comfortable victory.
North Gambier v Kybybolite – 12.40pm
IT is hard to mount a case for the winless North Gambier against a charging Kybybolite outfit.
In their first season, the northern Tigers have turned the competition on its head, defeating most sides, with the exception of current ladder leaders Millicent.
Kybybolite has polished skills and its second efforts, goal scoring ability and clean disposals have all been contributors to their domination.
A big victory over Glencoe last round saw Annabel Mould showcase her rucking skills, which were well backed by Tamika Nash-Hahn, Dellie Brown and Georgia Irvine around the ground and finished off by Susannah Maber in front of goal.
If Kybybolite brings the same consistency and intensity into Sunday’s clash, it is hard to see the southern Tigers keeping up.
Kybybolite has an additional incentive this weekend.
If North causes an upset and takes the win, a grand final position could be lost.
Kybybolite currently sits in second place on the ladder and a loss would mean a chance at the premiership could be out of the question.
However, that is an unlikely scenario, with the northern Tigers hot favourites to claim the flag this year.
East Gambier v Millicent – 1.50pm
ARGUABLY the most important game of the weekend will come down to the clash between East Gambier and Millicent.
If the Bulldogs gain the upper hand – and the premiership points – it could push the Saints out of the top two and as a result out of the grand final.
However, Millicent would be well aware of the consequences and will do everything in its power to remain on top of the ladder.
The Saints wasted no time last weekend in its big win over West Gambier and will hope to repeat that same performance against the Bulldogs.
Madi Turner was a standout around the ground, while Kelsie Wilkinson finished off her side’s hard work in front of goal and both will aim to only improve with the finals fast approaching.
On the other hand, East is coming off a tight clash with Kalangadoo, where it just managed to get the job done in the final quarter.
However, the Bulldogs have shown they can find the big sticks, kicking a huge 86 points against West Gambier just two rounds ago.
If East is to keep up with Millicent, it will need to remain in the contest for the full game, as leaving its charge until the last quarter will not work this weekend.
It is likely the Saints will push from the opening quarter to create some breathing space and run away with a good win to maintain the minor round premiers status.
Glencoe v West Gambier – 3pm
GLENCOE has the home-ground advantage this weekend and will leave nothing on the table when it comes to battling with West Gambier.
The Roos are yet to win a game, while the All Stars have tasted some success through the 2017-18 season.
If West can claim an upset victory it could shift off the bottom of the ladder.
However, it is likely Glencoe, will disallow the Roos any chance at the points.
The All Stars are coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of Kybybolite and will hope to bounce back with a good win on Sunday.
Alicia Frankenburg put in a four-quarter effort last weekend despite the big defeat.
Her input will again be needed through the middle of the ground when Glencoe faces the improving players of Brittney Allen, Cody Millard and Sam Fox.
The All Stars come into this game as favourites in a clash where nothing but pride is on the line.
