SOUTH GAMBIER v EAST GAMBIER
THE South Gambier v East Gambier clash looms as a tight contest with both sides having seen significant personnel changes for 2024.
South has Brandi Bouchier at the helm as coach and her biggest challenge this week is in the shooting circle, given Alyssa Duncan has moved to Adelaide and Gracie Dalton is unavailable as she recovers from a serious illness.
New recruit Ash Widdison will need to step up and use her strength and timing on the move to fill that void, while at the other end much will depend on the sheer brilliance of Ellie Bouchier.
Bouchier will need to influence not just the defensive turnovers but be a key transition player through the mid court.
She will team with Mykaela Thiele, a consistent performer who has earned her crack at the A Grade goal keeper bib.
Meanwhile, Sophie Wight, Tully McShane and Megan Reid make for a stable mid court that has been boosted by new-to-town Teresa Humphris, who brings speed, smarts and experience to the Demons’ centre court options.
East also has a new coach with Malinda Foster back at McDonald Park after a few seasons at Glencoe.
Her long-range shooting will complement Renee Henke and Casey Horrigan, who both boast great timing on the move.
The defensive end will remain tough to penetrate with Morgan Amy and Bo Creek teaming up again, while the loss of Tarsh McCallum (injury) and Emily Neave (nee Hunter – pregnancy) will be strongly felt – not just their on court ability but their leadership.
Their absence will provide opportunity for other mid courters, including new recruit Kimberley Loughhead, who is back at the club where she honed her craft as a junior.
The toughest of the matches to tip given the significant unknowns about both line-ups, but South should start the season with a close victory.
