Women commence finals campaign
• Scottsdale vice-captain Cara Howlette on the move.
By Peter Fish
July 03, 2019
Scottsdale's senior women's team will be part of the NTFAW's first week of finals on Saturday and will meet top of the table South Launceston at Longford commencing at 1.30pm.
South took the honours in their only clash this season back in Round 1 but Magpie coach Cabel Hall believes his team has improved significantly since then.
"We had five new players in that game and suffered three major injuries. In the ensuing games we have established a more settled combination, and we're fit and raring to go this week," Hall said.
South are unbeaten and will start favourites. Their team boasts competition leading goalkicker Kiara Foley and former Launceston player Kate Child, and the Magpies will need to play at their best to halt their opposition's unbeaten record.
Hall believes his team must win on the inside and use the wide open spaces of the Longford ground to their advantage.
The Magpie defensive unit combines youth and experience. Teenagers Ruby Slater and Georgia Knight have proved their ability at senior level while the experienced Cara Howlett and Hollie Viney play an uncompromising style well suited to the cut and thrust of finals football.
Jess Casey and Georgie Dare are the keys in attack. Casey is strong overhead and the best kick in the team, while Dare's athleticism and speed make her difficult to contain.
Raigan Kettle, Mikayla Binns, skipper Letitia Johnston, Danielle Kelly and Keeley Lester are part of a strong midfield group, and if they can get on top early, the Magpies will be well on the way to victory.
The men's teams will travel to George Town.
For the senior team it is a must win game. Still only a game and percentage out of fifth spot, they will need to turn around their form from a fortnight ago at Longford.
George Town rely heavily on their A-graders, and the Magpie selectors will have to plan their match-ups with care.
With Julian Rattray transferring to Old Launcestonians, coach Geoff Mohr will probably have to ruck and he will need more support from his fellow midfielders than he received at Longford.
The front half relies heavily on Daniel Viney and Brady Gee, and if they have quiet days the team will be in trouble.
The team has shown they can match it with the best, but inconsistency has plagued them throughout the season. If they can get a start early, the season is not yet over.