James Murphy
WOMEN’S football heads to Mundulla this week for Round 6 of the 2023 season.
After a few split rounds, all four matches will be played at the one venue.
Opening proceedings will be a meeting between Penola and Millicent.
The Saints enter the match off their first win of the season, but the Eagles should have them covered.
Penola has settled into the mid-pack after five rounds and will be eager to add another win to keep the top four within reach.
Captain Caroline McGrath has been the backbone of the Eagles so far this season and has made the best-on-ground title her own.
Joined by the likes of Heidi and Ellise Berkin, Angela Broad and Simone MacDonald Penola should face little resistance on their way to a Round 6 win.
Next up will be a clash between Kalangadoo and South Gambier.
This should reward the Demons with their first win of 2023.
In a year where they have been forced into a rebuilding phase after several seasons at the head of the pack, they are now a young outfit.
Despite that, Kalangadoo has found itself on the bottom rung of the ladder again this year and its 25 points against Millicent last round was its best return so far.
Natalia Edwards and Georgia Gentile played well last week, while Jamie Ryan performed in front of goals.
A full-team effort will be required this weekend.
South has some talent in its ranks regardless of its results, with the likes of Jarrah Altschwager, Leonie Robertson and Dakota Trotter all carrying good form.
A Cat fight between North Gambier and Casterton Sandford will follow, which looms as the match of the round.
The Tigers have set themselves up as a frontrunner in 2023 after an influx of talent over the off-season.
The Cats have also shown the promise of a top-four team and their battle could go either way if both sides give their best.
Libby Howe-Morgan, Luca Roulstone and Alice Tentye were the main damage dealers in last round’s win over South.
They will look to lead from the front again, while for Casterton the likes of Libby Altorfer and Zhane Crawford have been ones to watch.
Wrapping up proceedings the home team will face Kongorong.
Mundulla is so far undefeated, with three wins and a draw to Kybybolite.
Despite the improvement of the Hawks this season, the hosts should be primed for another big win on their race towards a a finals appearance.
ROUND 6 FIXTURE – Sunday, February 26 (Mundulla Showgrounds)
Penola v Millicent, 10am; Kalangadoo v South Gambier, 11.35am; Casterton Sandford v North Gambier, 1.10pm; Mundulla v Kongorong, 2.45pm.
