Shepparton East and Tallygaroopna, two unbeaten outfits, are set to clash heads on Sunday afternoon at Central Park Recreation Reserve in the first week of the league’s split round.
Many have declared these two, along with fellow unbeaten outfit Nagambie, as the sides to beat in 2022.
One glance at the ladder shows that very little separates the two.
Tallygaroopna, last year’s minor premier, occupies top spot with the Eagles close behind in second.
The ladder-leader has 309 goals for and 94 goals against, with Shepparton East 290 for goals scored and 97 for goals against.
In a season where it’s hard to get a gauge on how sides are travelling due to COVID-19 and other implications, the similarity of the two sides’ performances in goals for and against clearly indicate the contest will go down to the wire.
Shepparton East coach Erynn Hueston expects that to be the case on Sunday.
“We’re expecting a huge challenge this weekend. It’s going to be a really tough and tight contest,” she said.
“I think it will be a game of who can handle the early pressure and who gets the best start. Converting turnovers into goals will be another important area.”
Hueston highlighted an increase in player depth at senior level for helping the Eagles’ on-court performances this campaign.
The Eagles have just regained talented goaler Amy Reid, who will boost an already classy line-up that features Leticia Keady, Sarah Maskell, Mia Jeffery, Kara Pattison and Kate Durling.
“Everyone has performed really well, I know it’s that old cliche but it’s really hard to pinpoint one or two players,” Hueston said.
“I’ve been really lucky this year. We have a lot of depth and versatility which has helped us out on the court. If something isn’t working it’s good to know we can mix things up.”
In the remaining round six matches to be played this weekend, Murchison-Toolamba is at home to Undera.
The Grasshoppers are desperate for the four points after two narrow defeats.
Stanhope and Violet Town are set to clash heads in what many believe will be a tight encounter.
And lastly, undefeated Nagambie will welcome Dookie United.
The Thunder have rocketed up inside the competition’s top-four and a win over the Lakers will turn plenty of heads.
6°C