NETBALL action returns to the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League this week as teams tune-up for the finals series.
It’s Road Safety Round for leagues across AFL Central Victoria.
All players and officials will wear the blue armbands to promote the road safety message.
A highlight of the 18th and final round of the home and away schedule will be Mitiamo up against Bridgewater at John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo.
The Superoos and Bridgewater have built up a tremendous rivalry across many years.
When these clubs last met in round nine on June 26, Mitiamo won 60-53 at Bridgewater Bakehouse Oval.
The fourth-placed Bridgewater is a win and more than 20 per cent behind third-placed Calivil United which has the bye this round.
The Mean Machine will be keen to perform well against the Superoos ahead of what’s likely to be an elimination final showdown with Marong.
Mitiamo’s only defeat was in round 15 when Calivil United marked a 60-56 victory on the Superoos’ court.
A week later and the Superoos bounced back to win at Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park by 12 goals.
Inglewood takes on Maiden Gully YCW Eagles at Inglewood’s Dissy Machinery Oval.
The Eagles scored a 28-goal win against Bridgewater in the 16th round played on July 31 and will start favourite against the Blues.
Inglewood played great netball to be within 11 goals of the Eagles when they met at Marist College Oval in the ninth round.
Newbridge takes on Marong at Simonds Homes Riverside Oval in Newbridge.
The Maroons will be determined to end their season on a high.
Both A-grade teams from Newbridge and Marong had the bye in the 16th round.
Earlier in the year it was the Panthers who scored a 21-goal victory against the Maroons at Discover Marong Park in Malone Park.
Marong will want to carry winning form into the finals.
It’s an early finish to Pyramid Hill’s season in A-grade as the club takes on Bears Lagoon Serpentine at Serpentine.
The Bears are not fielding an A-grade team.
Calivil United has the bye.
In round 16 the Demons won at Inglewood by 48 goals.
Calivil United has won its past three games against Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo and Inglewood.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL A-grade netball competition:
Mitiamo 136 per cent, 40 points; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 122, 36; Calivil United 128, 32; Bridgewater 107, 28; Marong 100, 24; Pyramid Hill 95, 16; Newbridge 61, 8; Inglewood 57, 8.
Written by Nathan Dole.