STRATHMORE v PASCOE VALE
Friday 7pm @ Boeing Reserve
STRATHMORE recorded its biggest win of the season in Round 8, defeating Keilor Park by 91 points.
Amy Hakim again got amongst the goals, kicking three for the day.
This time, she was joined by Elise Baniowski, who also booted three majors.
Madeline Hale played a fantastic game, along with usual suspects Sally Portbury, Ruby Pini and Caitlyn Ball.
The mixture of new standouts and consistent performers should give Strathmore some belief going into a clash against the high-flying Panthers.
The Panthers held the reigning premiers, Keilor scoreless in Round 8, while also piling on 94 points themselves.
Siobhan Carlton again had another big day out in the forward line, kicking a personal season-high of seven goals.
She was aided by wonderful delivery from Bridgette Aparo, who is one of the in-form players in the competition.
Emily Bof, Sarah Theuma and Aimee Whelan will be players that the Mores have to look out for, as they can all move the ball swiftly through the ground and contribute a couple of goals.
It will be a big test for the Mores, but if they can apply early scoring pressure, they’re in with a chance.
ABERFELDIE v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Friday 7:30pm @ Clifton Park
Aberfeldie is one of the in-form teams of the competition, sitting inside the top four after some fantastic performances throughout the season.
Amber Wescombe and Olivia Madden have been getting among the goals in recent weeks, so Burnside Heights will need to target them to ensure that the Gorillas don’t continue their golden run at home.
They have won three out of their four home games this season and would love to claim the scalp of the second-placed Bears.
But the Bears also have a dangerous goal kicker up their sleeve, with captain, Kayla Ravanello in fine form inside 50.
Ravanello was Burnside Heights’ only multiple goal kicker in its win over the Sunbury Lions, booting through two majors.
Against Pascoe Vale, the Bears captain often had two or three defenders on her, trying to stop her scoring run.
The Gorillas may need to employ this tactic to stop the Bears’ rampant scoring.
But Burnside Heights is no flying favourite in this game, as injuries to star forward, Brooke McKinley and Western Jets product, Laycee Eustace could see Gorillas guns such as Kurtis Shine and Kylie Kennedy step up to the big occasion.
