Advertisment

Sport

17 August, 2023

Lady Redbacks gear up for first finals clash

Carisbrook will look to strike while the iron is at its hottest and progress to the second week of finals when they face Lake Wendouree on Sunday. Lake Wendouree may have finished nine games ahead of Carisbrook on the ladder, but if results are...

By Michael Thompson

Danae Every tackles for Carisbrook in last weekend’s clash with Darley. Photo: 180823 04
Danae Every tackles for Carisbrook in last weekend’s clash with Darley. Photo: 180823 04

Carisbrook will look to strike while the iron is at its hottest and progress to the second week of finals when they face Lake Wendouree on Sunday.

Lake Wendouree may have finished nine games ahead of Carisbrook on the ladder, but if results are anything to go by, the Lady Redbacks have rapidly closed the gap throughout the season.

Three wins for the Lakers have been the result this season, but based on their last meeting, the Lady Redbacks are well in the hunt.

That game, in round 15, saw the Lady Redbacks generate numerous scoring shots early, but were unable to put any significant damage on the board. Instead, Lake Wendouree took a three-point lead at the first change after making the most of their sole opportunity for a goal, before eventually easing away to a 24-point win.

However, considering that the meeting between the two teams just 11 games earlier in round four resulted in a 184-point win to the Lakers, it’s an almighty improvement.

In-between, in round eight, the Lady Redbacks were able to win their second quarter of the season when they were able to kick three goals to two in the third quarter, and although the Lakers would eventually take a 67-point win, it gave great confidence to the group that they could match it with the third-placed team.

Much of the reliance for Carisbrook this weekend rests on the shoulders of Olivia Butler and Anika Munn, who will patrol the midfield and look to shut down Lakers’ thrusts.

Both players have performed supremely this season, with both named in the best on 14 occasions, and look to be chances for the team of the year.

Tara Curtis and Danae Every have performed solid supporting roles throughout the season, as has Julianne Baldock and Sherriden Byrne.

If the Lady Redbacks can learn their lessons from round 15, early scoreboard pressure will be crucial, given they had ample opportunities to establish a quarter time lead.

Manage it on the big stage, and the Lady Redbacks could yet progress to a semi final against either Redan or Darley.

Advertisment

Most Popular