A RESERVE – HATHERLEIGH v PORT MACDONNELL
Hatherleigh and Port MacDonnell face off at Kalangadoo in the A Reserve preliminary final.
Hatherleigh’s versatile goal circle of Abby Wight, Eliza Mewett and Imogen Nowak can use its height and accuracy to score throughout the goal circle.
Port MacDonnell defenders Shannon Scheidl and Lara Wilson have strong hands and rebound well, both being able to read the play and pick off passes in the defensive end.
Demons’ youngster Bailee Lewis will need to work hard to shut down Eagle Rosie Nettle’s drive onto the circle.
Down the other end of the court Narelle Lewis will feed into Brooke Williams and Kelli von Stanke who position themselves with ease and convert turnovers from their defensive end.
Both times these teams faced off in the minor rounds ended in a draw and this game has the potential to go into overtime as they chase a grand final berth against Kalangadoo.
B GRADE – HATHERLEIGH v TANTANOOLA
The last time these sides met Hatherleigh came away with a 46-goal win.
Tantanoola will throw everything it has at the Eagles and the result should be tighter than that meeting.
Olivia Slattery at goal shooter for Hatherleigh has shown much improvement and her height and presence will fall to Indiana Marshall to curb.
Hatherleigh centre Ali McClelland has had a stellar season finishing runner up best and fairest in this grade.
Her experience through the mid court shines through for the full four quarters.
Her opposing centre Danielle Vanderheul can run all day and the two will match up well.
The Eagles’ height and experience through the whole court will see them take the win and have the opportunity to take on Kalangadoo in the grand final.
B RESERVE – HATHERLEIGH v KALANGADOO
Hatherleigh will need to bounce back from its second semi-final loss and be on top of its game when meeting Kalangadoo in the B Reserve preliminary final.
The Magpies have height throughout the court and experienced campaigners in Jodi Greenwood and Nicole Reeves, who can both switch between centre and goals.
They are supported in the circle by the accurate Maddi Wilkinson.
The Eagles tried a few goalie combinations last week and will need to work this out early in the game.
Expect either Nicole Thomas or Ellen Clarke to join Melita Thwaites under the post.
Gemma Box and Deb Mulligan work hard in defence for Kalangadoo and will make the Eagles’ goalies earn every shot.
Keely Jones was solid in centre last week against Port MacDonnell and she will need to rely on her speed and pace as both Greenwood and Reeves have a height advantage.
This game could go either way with a win apiece through the minor rounds.
