CASTERTON SANDFORD V MILLICENT
CASTERTON Sandford is set to host Millicent this weekend and while that is a hard task at any time, it will be even tougher this weekend given the Saints are coming off a rare loss.
The 2022 runners up went down by 10 goals to North Gambier in Round 3 as they look to settle on their best combination for this year.
The shooting circle seems set with the height of Tabatha Sanderson and the speed and smarts of Demi Verbena out the front.
With the Cats having lost reliable circle defender Ebany Jarrad to injury last weekend that only adds to the challenge for the Victorian hosts.
As such much will rest on the shoulders of Caeleigh Humphries to use her athleticism and she will probably be joined by utility Madalene Cleary at the defensive end.
At the other end of the court, Cats’ shooting combination of Chloe Foster and Chelsey Galpin have now had a couple of weeks to develop some chemistry.
Their ability to separate their rival defenders and find gaps in the Millicent backline will be critical.
Portia McRae, Kimmi Tincknell and Lauren VanEeden have the height to worry their smaller opponents and the Saints’ defensive trio is also well supported by pressure on the feed by Lisa Duldig and Lillie Paul.
The mid court is where both sides are still experimenting.
Millicent continues to work out the best combination with Duldig, Paul, Daisy Tunkin, as well as Nikeisha Facey, Tincknell and VanEeden in the mix.
For the Cats Dani Russell, Libby Altorfer and youngsters Indi Longhurst and Ivy Lane have all spent time in the middle.
Millicent will bounce back with a win but the Cats will look to keep building on their improvement.
