General News
30 May, 2025
KEYS TO SUCCESS IN CRACKER NORTH CENTRAL ENCOUNTERS
By CHRIS EARL RIVALS Wedderburn and Boort clash in Saturday’s North Central football and netball round in what could be a season-defining weekend for the Loddon rivals. Boort is coming off football losses to Calder United and Birchip Watchem after...
By CHRIS EARL
RIVALS Wedderburn and Boort clash in Saturday’s North Central football and netball round in what could be a season-defining weekend for the Loddon rivals.
Boort is coming off football losses to Calder United and Birchip Watchem after stunning the competition with a victory over reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly and huge wins against lower sides.
A fortnight ago, the Pies were on top of the ladder. This week they sit in fourth position, one game and less than half a percent clear of Wedderburn who have had a tougher draw to start the season.
The Redbacks had a similar losing margin as Boort to Birchip Watchem a fortnight ago
Coach Tom Metherell said up to four players could be back in the side to play the Magpies - Jayden Jones, Mitch Jensen, Mackenzie Smith and Jake Pallpratt.
“If we stick to our structures and keep improving as a group, it should help,” Metherell said.
“If we play a confident brand of football the team can do well,” said Metherell pointing to a swag of players kicking goals last weekend.
The Redbacks have had solid contributions from veterans Adam Postle in the ruck and Danny Benaim in defence.
Benaim’s tenacious style will need to be in top gear. He alone could stymie the skill around goal of Boort assistant coach Jhye Baddeley-Kelly who has been the most consistent of four-quarter performers so far this season.
Boort has been keeping its cards close to the chest over the last three weeks and giving out little information about possible player selection. The Pies had a solid quarter to start against the Bulls but history shows that no matter where the Loddon rivals are on the ladder, an epic encounter is almost guaranteed.
And it will be the same on the netball court where reigning premiers Wedderburn will try to hand Boort a second A Grade loss of the season.
The Redbacks are renowned for their defence and a big challenge could loom with Pie tall Georgia Haw around the goal ring.
Coach Susie Lockhart said countering Boort’s height would be a priority for the Redbacks.
Her Boort counterpart Carly Isaac agreed on one point: “It’s going to be a ripper of a game.” Lockhart added: “Both clubs are going well this year and that should play out on the Donaldson Park Courts on Saturday.”
And there will be real interest in the B Grade clash where Wedderburn and Boort go into the encounter undefeated and with similar winning margins so far this season. Both clubs are known for their netball depth.