By David Nagel
Pakenham Gazette Sports Editor David Nagel takes a look at the run home for the finals’ contenders – teams first through to eighth – in WGFNC A Grade netball.
For the purpose of this exercise, all teams have been given a loss when playing against undefeated Inverloch-Kongwak, and a win when playing the bottom four teams; Bunyip (9), Phillip Island (10), Garfield (11) and Warragul Industrials (12).
1. INVERLOCH-KONGWAK
Remaining wins: Cora Lynn, Kilcunda-Bass, Phillip Island, Bunyip
Remaining losses: None
In dispute: None
We Say: The Sea Eagles face two tough tests over the next fortnight before an easy run home as they prepare for a history-making three-consecutive premierships. Two teams, Kooweerup and Dalyston, have got within five goals recently, so the gap may not be as big as we think. Stipp red-hot favourites to claim a third-consecutive crown.
Prediction: 1st – Premiers
2. TOORADIN-DALMORE
Remaining wins: Garfield, Bunyip
In dispute: Nar Nar Goon, Dalyston
We Say: Can probably afford one loss against either Nar Nar Goon or Dalyston and still hold on to second place and earn a coveted double-chance come finals. All four wins would give the Gulls a 10-game winning streak heading into finals and make them the team most likely to knock off Inverloch. The Gulls aren’t as consistent as they used to be across four quarters; if they rectify that…who knows what could happen.
Prediction: 2nd
3. KILCUNDA-BASS
Remaining losses: Inverloch-Kongwak
In dispute: Kooweerup, Korumburra-Bena, Cora Lynn
We Say: Will start favourite in three of their four remaining games, but wouldn’t want to take the foot off the gas against very dangerous opponents. On the positive side, if there’s one team that will be battle-hardened for finals; it’s definitely the Panthers…with a very tough month ahead. Needs to show something in round 16 against Inverloch to be regarded as a genuine contender.
Prediction: 3rd
4. DALYSTON
Remaining wins: Bunyip, Phillip Island
In dispute: Kooweerup, Tooradin-Dalmore
We Say: Still a genuine top-two contender but needs Tooradin-Dalmore to slip up once before the two teams meet at Dalyston on the final day of the season. But the only likelihood of that happening is against a struggling Nar Nar Goon this week. The Panthers have their fingers crossed but will more than likely finish third or fourth with Kilcunda-Bass.
Prediction: 4th
5. KOOWEERUP
Remaining wins: Warragul Industrials
In dispute: Kilcunda-Bass, Dalyston, Korumburra-Bena
We Say: If early-season form is an indicator then the Demons will miss finals. They’ve lost to Kilcunda-Bass, Dalyston and Korumburra-Bena already, and if that repeats itself then they’re gone; they’ll likely miss out on percentage. But we’re backing the Demons in to reverse at least one of those results and play finals netball this year.
Prediction: 5th
6. CORA LYNN
Remaining wins: Warragul Industrials
Remaining losses: Inverloch-Kongwak
In dispute: Nar Nar Goon, Kilcunda-Bass
We Say: The Cobras burst out of the blocks, winning five straight, but have since won three out of eight to be on the brink of finals extinction. The game against Nar Nar Goon in round 16 looms as a real biggie, with the winner almost certain of qualifying top six. They have a back-up plan; Kilcunda-Bass in round 18…but that would be a massive hurdle to overcome.
Prediction: 6th
7. NAR NAR GOON
Remaining wins: Garfield, Phillip Island
In dispute: Tooradin-Dalmore, Cora Lynn
We Say: An unexpected loss to Bunyip in round 12 has put the Goon in the firing line. A record of 6-1 after seven rounds has been decimated with one win from their last seven outings. On form will struggle against Tooradin-Dalmore this week, leaving the round 16 game against Cora Lynn as the decisive moment of its season.
Prediction: 7th
8. KORUMBURRA-BENA
Remaining wins: Garfield, Bunyip
In dispute: Kilcunda-Bass, Kooweerup
We Say: Get the job done against Garfield and Bunyip over the next fortnight and the Giants are still a genuine hope of playing finals. A last-round trip to Kooweerup appears mouth-watering, with the Demons likely to be half-a-game clear of the Giants as they stride onto the court. Knock them off and they’ll likely sneak into sixth spot. But we think it unlikely.
Prediction: 8th
GAMES THAT MATTER
Round 15 – Saturday 27 July
Kilcunda-Bass (3) v Kooweerup (5)
Nar Nar Goon (7) v Tooradin-Dalmore (2)
Round 16 – Saturday 3 August
Nar Nar Goon (7) v Cora Lynn (6)
Round 17 – Saturday 10 August
Korumburra-Bena (8) v Kilcunda-Bass (3)
Dalyston (4) v Kooweerup (5)
Round 18 – Saturday 17 August
Cora Lynn (6) v Kilcunda-Bass (3)
Kooweerup (5) v Korumburra-Bena (8)
Dalyston (4) v Tooradin-Dalmore (2)
