Deakin Reserve sets the stage for the annual clash with the Ovens and Murray Netball League, where the A-grade netball contingent has accrued far more recent success than its senior footballing counterparts, having knocked their north-eastern foes over 39-36 a year ago.
As ever, the expected starting lineup for Saturday afternoon’s Open interleague clash is an imposing one on paper, led by Euroa star Ellie Warnock and Rochester boss Rachel Whipp as co-coaches.
Seymour’s Sarah Szczykulski has hardly put a foot wrong all year for the Lions in rotating between goal keeper and goal defence, and she will have her sights on a second consecutive best-on-court medal.
With Tatura’s Molly Boyle and Euroa’s Tylah Marchbank among a handful of high-end talents to withdraw with injury, Mooroopna’s Dayna Williams takes the role with the potential to swing into attack.
Cats dynamo Asha Gray at wing defence completes a trio of backcourt players from the two clubs which have conceded the fewest goals through seven rounds.
Euroa midcourter Kellie Davidson will keep her finger on the pulse throughout as the centre, while another Magpie in starlet Hollie Reid goes out wide in the wing attack position.
One more familiar face to the black-and-white army is Mia Sudomirski, who assumes the role of goal attack, but her usual partner-in-crime Olivia Morris will miss due to a knee concern, allowing Seymour’s Ellie Fuhrmeister to start under the ring.
Awaiting their chance as substitutes will be Warnock herself alongside Tatura goaler Jules Clarke, who has been included at the last minute as an injury replacement.
In spite of an injury bug threatening to upend preparations, Warnock takes a decidedly positive mindset into Saturday’s meeting with the Ovens and Murray.
“We’re really lucky to welcome Jules into the squad, which we’re really excited about,” Warnock said.
“The main aim for me is to bring back the enjoyment and enthusiasm into playing interleague netball.
“It’s such an honour for players to be named in the interleague squad as our league continues to get stronger and more competitive each year.
“I want to encourage players to take on the opportunity to represent the league and have fun while doing so.”
The geographically disparate nature of the squad means there was no realistic chance to train as a GVL unit ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
This is of little concern to Warnock though, who says there’s plenty of shared experience already to elevate team cohesion.
“Luckily, we are so familiar with how each other plays, having played so many throughout the years and in the VNL as well,” Warnock said.
“I’m confident in the group and their ability to gel and work together cohesively.
“I think every single player in the squad has VNL experience, which is extremely beneficial in these times when it’s important to quickly adapt to different coaching staff and players at a high level of netball.”
Euroa and Mooroopna collectively dominated the initial squad announcement, and at first glance, this could have served as an omen of what may yet happen in the finals.
For Warnock however, now won’t be the time to think about club fortunes.
“Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds for season’s end. I’d like to hope it’s Euroa to take home the cup, but there is so much talent throughout the league,” Warnock said.
“It’s such early days at the moment, which leaves so much time for teams to continue to build and develop, and anything could happen.”
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