The undisputed main event pits the reigning premiers Murray Bombers (1-1) against Mooroopna (2-0) in a titanic clash between two sides highly fancied to feature deep in September.
In pre-season, many might have pencilled these two sides in to be 2-0 ahead of this high-powered encounter, but there’s always a twist to be found.
The hosts and premiership favourites don’t come up against much adversity they can’t overpower, but Shepparton United produced a mesmerising display to come away with a famous win last time out.
The 48-36 result sent shockwaves through the entire division; while Echuca has subsisted on low scores before, such as last year’s grand final, the A-graders only conceded more than 48 goals twice throughout 2023.
Meanwhile, Mooroopna has started the 2024 campaign like a house on fire with a pair of emphatic beltings.
These results may have been largely expected by most observers, though — a thumping 58-27 win over a youthful Kyabram preceded a 69-24 thrashing of struggling Benalla.
That said, the saying goes that you can only beat the teams you’re fixtured against and Di Hanslow’s side has passed those tests with flying colours.
Plenty of entertainment awaits beyond Echuca’s confines, with Shepparton Swans (1-1) set to test their mettle against another contender in Seymour (0-1) at Princess Park.
The Lions will come out with a point to prove eagerly, fresh off a bye that followed heartbreak in round one against Tatura.
Speaking of the Bulldogs (1-1), Elsie Boyer’s side will need to move past a disappointing setback against Euroa in hosting a Mansfield squad (0-3) that has struggled to find its footing.
Two unbeaten sides converge on Deakin Reserve to put their perfect starts to the year on the line as Shepparton (2-0) seeks to assert itself as a frontrunner against Rochester (2-0).
Bears coach Stacey Thompson outlined what she wants to see improve against the Tigers after surviving Shepparton United.
“(I want to see us) finish off the game,” Thompson said.
“I want us to run that last quarter and complete the full 60 minutes with a bit more consistent netball again, then we’re heading in the right direction.”
Shepparton United (1-1) has proved it can hang with anyone on the day, but the Demons will travel to Benalla (0-2) as heavy favourites to notch their second win.
Saints boss Jo Toms acknowledges her side has been off the pace to this point, but sees positive aspects developing.
“It’s a fairly new-look team; while most of us have played together, we’ve got defenders, centre court and shooters that are all new,” Toms said.
“We need to fill each of the passing lanes and not crowd the space. When we crowd the space, we have held the ball and we don’t make the best choices.
“We didn’t get an opportunity for a lot of pre-season match play, but it’s coming together nicely.”
Rounding out the round is yet another night clash out west as Kyabram (0-2) looks to steady itself for the challenge of visiting heavyweight Euroa (2-0) as gun midcourter Hollie Reid visits her former club.
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