Bulldog’s antepenultimate chance for a top-two finish

It’s coming to the pointy end of the A grade season, and with the competition as close as it is, it’s anyone’s guess who will finish in the top two. With 2025 throwing up one of the most evenly-contested competitions in recent memory, with two wins separating second and sixth, and eight drawn matches, that all important second chance which comes from finishing top two is more vital than ever. Tarrawingee enters this weekend’s round 17 second on the ladder and in stellar form with four wins and a draw from their last five. Coach Tig White said her side was well-positioned heading into the final month of the regular season. “The season has flown by, we are really happy with all our squads and senior teams and where they have placed at this point of the season,” she said. “Our team has a couple of niggling injuries, but we are still feeling settled and are ready for the tough games we have ahead to close the home and away season.” The Bulldogs are playing some brilliant netball, but in terms of a top-two finish, there’s a hiccup – Tarrawingee has the bye in round 20, so the best points total they can hope to finish with is 56. On the face of it, it seems enough to take second place behind Milawa (max of 66 pts), but when compared to the rest of the top six, the closeness of the league comes to the fore. Thanks to the benefits of the fixture and having taken their byes already, Whorouly has the potential to finish with a maximum of 58 points, while Bonnie Doon (max of 50), Goorambat (max of 52) and Bright (max of 52) could come from the clouds should the Bulldogs drop enough games. In short, every match for the next month is a must win. “Every club is contesting for that top two finish, but with the competition so close, that position could be anyone’s,” White said. “Every game is so important from here on in to hold onto and potentially climb ladder positions to help secure a stronger finals series. “With the competition so tight, the pressure is definitely high for our team to perform well for a solid four quarters every week. “We are very fortunate to have a calm playing group that help guide each other’s play.” The Bulldogs’ first challenge is this weekend’s home game against sixth-placed Bright, who will be eyeing the prized scalp of Tarrawingee in the run up to finals. The two sides haven’t seen each other since Easter weekend way back in round four, which went the Bulldogs’ way 55-47. “Our game this week against Bright will be very tough,” White said. “It’s been so long since we played them last and our game has changed a bit since then, and I’m sure theirs has as well as the season has progressed, so the result of the match is a big unknown. “All we know is they are a strong side that brings a competitive game across the whole court. “We are just going to prepare as we normally would and focus on playing our game rather than trying to counter their game or any particular players.” Elsewhere, Goorambat will be looking to break their unenviable two-game draw streak when they come up against ladder leaders Milawa, while the Lions hope to do the same against the Panthers. Closing out the round, King Valley is at home to Greta, and the Hoppers head to North Wangaratta.

Bulldog’s antepenultimate chance for a top-two finish

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