Goulburn Valley Netball League powerhouse Mooroopna will host up-and-coming Shepparton under lights on Saturday night.
The round four match-up is arguably the game of the round as the two teams enter the fixture as hopeful contenders.
Mooroopna has made it to the second last match of the season for the past three years.
However, the Cats, despite their obvious depth of talent, have fallen at the penultimate hurdle in harrowing fashion each time.
Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow and her troops are desperate to right that wrong this season.
Across the court, Shepparton has finished sixth, sixth and fifth after the home and away season in the previous three years.
Bears players and supporters are keen for the side to make the leap from finals filler to genuine challenger this season.
Shepparton coach Kim Borger is one of the stars of the league, claiming the Wellman Family Medal in 2024 and appears to be leading her Bears up the ladder.
Shepparton has claimed the scalps of Tatura, Benalla and Shepparton United on its way to Saturday’s fixture, while Mooroopna has had one slip-up from its first three games losing to Rochester in round two.
Borger said her players' malleability had contributed to the Bears’ undefeated start.
“I think for us it is the versatility we have within our line-up,” Borger said.
“We have multiple girls who can cover across multiple positions, which is actually really comforting as a coach as it means I have a lot more room to play around with match-ups and things like that.”
Despite Shepparton’s form, a trip to Mooroopna is never an easy proposition.
Borger said if the Bears were to win, they will have to grind out a performance where they don’t spare the Cats an inch.
“(Mooroopna) are a very successful side and are very strong,” she said.
“They also have a lot of moving parts in terms of players that can play at both ends.
“We definitely won’t take them lightly and will look to make it a quarter-by-quarter effort.
“We know they are a side that can blow you out of the water quite quickly and they can score on you well, but they are also a physical side, so it is about making sure we are ready to withstand that body.”
Shepparton’s squad is approaching full fitness, with Borger excited for a young star to return to the maroon and gold.
“We have the likes of Mackenzie O’Dwyer coming back into the line-up after having a nationals campaign,” she said.
“We are welcoming her back into the squad which also strengthens our squad.”
In other games, Rochester's Linda Rasmussen is celebrating her 150th match for the Tigers.
Rochester’s beloved player-coach — alongside fellow Tiger Zali Hocking, who is also playing her 150th for the club — will be eager to secure a win in her milestone game as her charges take on Mansfield at home.
Benalla’s Chloe Hill will also celebrate her 150th club match at home.
The star goal defender will be hoping to cause an upset in her milestone game as Benalla hosts Echuca.
21°C