The Blues are looking for an improved performance from their narrow 14-point escape at Barooga last week, while the Purples have faced heavy back-to-back defeats against Mulwala (41 points) and Moama (140 points).
It’s the first time Nathalia has conceded consecutive defeats since 2016, but Tongala coach Jordan Souter merely needs to point to last week’s close encounter against the Hawks to demonstrate why his side will be on guard.
“They are a bit like Barooga the week before last — they were beaten quite easily, so they’ll be raring to bounce back,” Souter said.
“(Nathalia) are out to get us tomorrow. We’re looking forward to the challenge.
“I think they’re still missing a few of their players who are still injured. By the look of it they’re throwing a few of their younger players in and developing them.”
Tongala’s backline will be bolstered by the return of reliable duo Alex Williams and full-back Corey Nexhip.
“It strengthens our defence up and might even free a few blokes up down forward,” Souter said.
“Those two are really important to us and our structure so they’re good to have come back in.”
Riley Cowley is a confirmed out with a broken finger sustained against Barooga, but Souter said two more changes could be confirmed at selection.
The 2019 grand final opponents are tipped to go head-to-head in front of a healthy crowd at Tongala.
“In past years, it’s been hard for us because they’ve been so good and so powerful for a long time,” Souter said.
“We love playing Nathalia on Good Friday and we usually get pretty good crowds.”
Meanwhile, Paige Wade’s Tongala A-grade netball side is off to a hot start in the Murray Netball League after strong wins against Echuca United (63-37) and Barooga (54-31).
However, its credentials will be tested against MNL powerhouse Nathalia.
It will be a test of the rising Blues against the experienced Purples, who dropped just one game in 2021 before the season was cut short.
“Nathalia will be our big challenge. They have had a pretty good start, as well,” Wade said.
“It will be our first big challenge for the season. I’m really looking forward to seeing where we’re at.”
Nathalia coach Emma McDonald told Shepparton News the Purples were raring to go.
“We are really looking forward to it. It is always a tough match against Tongala and they always come out firing against us,” she said.
“Milly Brock is always hard to beat, but I think we match up against her very well with our defensive set-up. The real focus for us is shutting her down, really.
“I think we have the class and experience elsewhere on the court to give ourselves a great chance to win.”
Tongala vs Nathalia
Tongala Recreation Reserve
Friday, April 15
Netball: 1.30pm
Football: 2pm
