We’re exactly halfway through the 2019 home and away season and Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team are back home again to kick off the next triple header at Bennettswood Reserve, playing host to the Bulleen-Templestowe Bullants. The past couple of weeks have been rough for the Animalettes, who haven’t won a game since their round 3, two-point win over Swinburne University and last weekend saw their second scoreless defeat of the year. The Bullants will still be smarting from the last time they faced Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team after surrendering their lead in the last quarter to lose by 12 points at home. The Animalettes will be searching for the toughness that won them that game and look to bring it to the ground on Saturday.
Both the Bullants and the Animalettes are coming off consecutive losses and will be aiming to remedy that come Saturday. Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team sit one rung lower than the Bullants who are only in 6th position because of percentage, which absolutely sounds like a broken record. On equal points, there’s a huge opportunity for the Animalettes to jump ahead on the ladder, as well as boost their own percentage with a big win.
Selection news for the first time in a couple of weeks has a full side named, including an emergency. The unbeatable trio of Bec Herne, Claire Anderson and Sam Bridgland will be starting on the backline, bolstered by an equally tough half line in Sally Hood, Shellby Lonie and Dee Burden. Maddy Hogan starts as ruck, with Jess Dawson and Soraya Jeanes are on the board to begin out on the wings. On the ball is Tara Ingham, Shanelle Blachford and Sam Hogarth. This week, there’s a slight shake up for the entire forward line, with Grace de Cesare, Sheridan Harris and Jess Evans forming the half forward group, and Kate Fletcher, Amy Ronchi and Bridget Monaghan starting closer to goal. Ashleigh Morley, Delaney Morvell, Kate Lucas, Shannon Harris, Brooke Chapman and Shino Walsh will start on the bench, and Sarah Smith has been named as emergency.
Spirits have been high at training despite the obviousness of win-loss ratio, with the intensity never dropping. Around the group, it feels like there’s a win just around the corner. Will the forward line shake up end the Animalettes’ scoring woes? With a bench and a full side on the park, is it going to be another come-from-behind win or will they lead from the beginning? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve to find out, and stick around to watch the men’s teams take on North Brunswick with the annual Animals Family Luncheon also happening from 12pm onwards. It’s set to be a cracking day at home, first bounce is at 9.20am!
