South Gambier South Gambier

Red & White

The ANZAC Day clash is always eagerly anticipated and both SouthGambier,whoishosting the 2023 match, and North Gambier are rolling out with new look line-ups after some significantplayermovement.

While South broke their decade long ANZAC Day droughtlastyear,playerlosses will see the Demons start underdogs in this Tuesday’s clash, despite the fact, North also has a raft of changes with whichtodeal.

North is looking at a season without stalwart Caroline Wakefield but young guns Macey Griffith and Lauran Norman are shooting stars on the rise and not having that strongholdinggoalerwillhave had Tigers coach Amanda O’Shaughnessy working on a new style of offensive tactics, with a mobile goal circle that will test defenders with speed and well timed front cuts and baselinedrives.

Norman looms as a key with her ability to also play mid court – a role she played on severaloccasionsduring2022.

Noni McConnell is a welcome returning player to the Tigers line-up with her experience, leadership and versatility –she will be able to fill a mid courtordefensiverole.

Her tight checking and ability to apply relentless pressure will see North’s ability to c r e a t e t u r n o v e r b a l l significantlyincreased.

Mel Renko and Brianna Walters are all class and Walters will be the key offensivethreatinNorth’smid court, while Renko, like McConnell, can fill a mid court or circle defence role, dependingonmatchups.

New recruit Mikaila Pitt is another versatile performer who will use her athleticism

Vand smarts to great effect wherever O’Shaughnessy choosestodeployher The ANZAC Day clash will also see Grace Potts unveiled in Tigers colours against her former club South, where she was the 2022 club best & fairestwinner Potts played one season at South in goals and 2022 in defencesoshejustaddstothe versatility of the 2023 Tigers line-up.

South will rely heavily on its emerging young stars with Alyssa Duncan the mainstay in the shooting circle and 2022 Team of the YearmemberEllie B o u c h i e r l e a d i n g t h e defensiveline.

Tully McShane and Megan Reid will continue to develop in their mid court roles where their speed and work rate is invaluable, while Sophie Wight, who already made her markin2022whenfillinginon the A Grade court, can take a

North Gambier North Gambier

Yellow & Black

mid court or defensive role and her speed, vertical leap and closing speed will be pivotal.

T h e r e t u r n o f 1 9 9 5 premiership player and former coach Belinda Scanlon will add much needed leadership and smarts to the Southline-up.

Whether in the mid court or shooting circle, Scanlon has the ability to bring others into the play and she rarely makes amistakewithballinhand.

The loss of Lara Munro and Potts is huge for the Demons, though, but it also will open the opportunity for rising star Gracie Dalton, who can hold her own in the shooting or defensive circle when called upon.

North should take the points but with both sides looking to rebuild in the wake of player losses, it should be a tight encounter