CASTERTON SANDFORD v SOUTH GAMBIER
CASTERTON Sandford and South Gambier will both look for their first win of 2023 when the sides meet at Island Park this weekend.
Both teams sport new-look line-ups and are still settling into the season.
Last weekend the Cats went down to East Gambier but certainly had their defensive efforts back on track, keeping the Bulldogs to a modest scoreline.
The return of Caeleigh Humphries to the court to combine with Ebany Jarrad helped with that, as well as the tenacity of Libby Altorfer on the defensive wing and the defensive intensity of Madalene Cleary at centre.
Now the Cats will look to build some chemistry at the attacking end of the court.
The young line-up includes Ivy Lane, Chloe Foster and Chelsey Galpin and they will try to generate more scoring opportunities.
Coach Dani Russell will no doubt use her experience and that of Cleary in the feeding roles to hopefully see those opportunities increase.
Of course, against the defensive efforts of the likes of South’s Ellie Bouchier, Mykaela Thiele and Sophie Wight, it will not be an easy task.
The Demons’ defensive stocks are athletic and read the play well despite their youth.
At the other end of the court, youngster Gracie Dalton continues to find her feet.
She will only imrpove in the South goal circle each week as she learns to compete at the top level.
Meanwhile Alyssa Duncan has become the clear leader of the attacking end and her battle with Humphries will be one of the most pivotal on Saturday.
The Demons should get the job done in a tight one.
