Saints take on reigning champs

HEATHCOTE faces a huge task against Elmore in Saturday’s fifth round of A Grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

The Saints are on their court at Barrack Reserve at Heathcote to take on a team which is four-nil in its pursuit of back-to-back premierships.

Jointly coached by Brooke Bolton and Kelsey Hayes, Heathcote has a one and two record.

The Saints have scored 120 goals in three matches as Annalyse Carroll has capped off many moves.

Carroll scored 40 goals in the round two win at home against Leitchville Gunbower.

It’s through mid-court and defence where Heathcote will be under immense pressure.

In last Saturday’s play, Elmore beat White Hills by six goals in the rematch of the 2022 grand finalists.

A high-scoring contest on Elmore’s court ended in a 62-56 victory for the red and white.

Key players for the Bloods who have Gabe Richards and Allira Holmes as coaches include Tahnee Cannan, Abbey Hromenko, Ellie Laffy and Maddy Keating.

For the Saints, Brooke Bolton will be back on court after missing the previous round at White Hills.

Goalkeeper Jen Van Neutgem has shone in all three matches for the Saints and will again play a crucial role against a formidable attack which has averaged more than 70 goals a game.

Heathcote’s defenders will rely a lot on intercepts and pressure through mid-court to halt Elmore’s slick ball movement through all thirds of the court.

The Saints’ squad includes Georgia Bolton, Chelsea and Isobel Caughey, and Maeve Hogan.