CENTER PASS
Podcast about a netball powerhouses journey that could reap a premiership in 2024 , my views, my thoughts
CENTER PASS
Injuries and Intensity: Rumbalara's Quest for Perfection
Can Rumbalara achieve an undefeated season despite the odds? Join us on Center Pass for an intriguing exploration into their journey, including the potential impact of key player injuries to Jess Bamblett and the uncertain return of Tiana Steel. We’ll dive into the high-stakes clash against Echuca United and what Tana Edwards' return means for their rebuilding efforts. Plus, we’ll discuss how Rumbalara's recent performance hiccup could shape their upcoming matches against Deni, Moama, and Tongala, setting the stage for a nail-biting finals campaign.
Get ready for a deep dive into the Murray League Netball Finals, where every game counts. We break down the pivotal matches featuring Finley,Echuca United, Cobram, Deni, and Rumba, predicting the outcomes and their potential shake-up effects on the league standings. From Mulwala's fight to crack the top six to Nathalia's desperate hold on their position, our analysis leaves no stone unturned. Don’t miss our spotlight on key fixtures like Rumbalara vs Moama, which could be a preview of the grand final. Tune in for expert insights and all the latest updates on the race to the finals!
hey everybody and welcome back to another episode of center pass, a roundabout podcast all about a man talking netball and getting criticized for it. And today we're looking at the game this weekend between Rumballara and Achuki United, so pretty much four rounds to go. So, after these three more rounds Rumballara trying to go undefeated all year and Achuki United I guess they were rebuilding, trying to get somewhere this year. But Tana Edwards come from Shep Footy Club back to her hometown and back to her old club where she won a premiership in 2019. And, yeah, she's done the best she could with the netballers that she's got. But unfortunately, yeah, it's all over Red Rover for Achuki United this year when it comes to finals. So they'll just play out the last three games after this week. So, yeah, for Rumballara, they're playing, as I said, to try and go undefeated. This is probably the easiest game they've got in the next four rounds. So, as I said, they've got a cheeky united this weekend. I think, uh, it'll be a comfortable win by um rumbler. But in saying that, they're sort of their structures and that has sort of dropped off in the last couple of weeks, um, they haven't had town of steel back playing with them. Very unsure whether she's back this week, I don't know, but yeah, they sort of haven't been the dominant team that they were at the start of the year Rumbelara, so it'll be interesting whether they get it back on track.
Speaker 1:The big news that comes out of Rumbelara, though, is potentially the loss of Jess Bamblett for this weekend. So she did her ankle pretty bad apparently last week against Moela. So whether she comes back into that defensive circle I doubt whether she'll play this week. I'm pretty sure they'll have Tash Bamblett come in and play. So Tash Bamblett and Tiana Steele if Tiana Steele's playing will take up that defensive end, and Tash Bamblett is a very good defender, so she played at Shep Swans for a number of years. Come back to Rumballara obviously lives in Melbourne, so yeah, her and Tiana possibly will be in that defensive circle. So I mean, this weekend it probably really doesn't matter. Yeah, they'll be up against Tan Edwards, and I'm not sure who the other shooter is, but I'm pretty sure yeah, they'll get the job done over those two girls, and obviously you've got Jessie Barnes and Sophie Atkinson in that shooting circle will probably get the job done over the defenders.
Speaker 1:So yeah, as I said, disappointment, I guess, for Chukki United. You know they're trying to rebuild a club. As I said, they were premiers in 2019 under Lisa Drysdale, who's actually at Moaman now. So they, yeah, just didn't have the people on the park. I guess you know very young side and you've just got to look like they're sitting 10th on the ladder and they're a team that obviously they are a team that's rebuilding. So they're pretty much nearly 500 goals below Rumbelara in shooting this year. So, if you look at it, they've only shot 458 out of 14 games and Rumballara have shot 918. So very, very vast differences. The contrast there between Achuki United and Rumballara is very, very different. So that's where I think, yeah, achuki United will struggle again tomorrow. So, yeah, I think the game will be over early.
Speaker 1:But, as I said, it all depends. As I said, I haven't heard any news as to whether Tiana Steele is playing. She hasn't played for the last two weeks. So it'll be interesting to see. And obviously, with the big injury to Jess Bamblett, it's probably not the ideal time to have an injury because, if you look at Rumblarra's next three games, this will set up for finals. So they've got Denny next week, then they've got Moama and then their last game is against Tongala. So you've got two premiership teams there in the last two years in Tongala and Denny, and you've also got a side that knocked out Rumbelow in the elimination final last year in Moema. So the next three games are going to be very crucial for Rumbelow. I don't think they'll lose top spot, but what it does is if they do lose, they'll lose confidence and the opposition will gain confidence. If Moema beat them, they'll be confident and it looks like the way the draw is for the finals.
Speaker 1:If the two of those sides stay together the way they are, they will play each other in the second semifinal at Rumballara home game, second week of finals. So it's going to be very interesting. Danny, they've started to play some really, really good netball, so they're only one win away from Finlay. So they are sitting fifth. Nathalia and Danny are sitting on the same wins, the same points. So it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next two well, next three, four weeks. Because if you look at from third, so you've got two sides, tongala and Finlay, that are sitting on 40 points, and then you've got Denny and Nathalia that are sitting on 36. So there's between third and sixth there's only one game and obviously Moama. Yeah, they're two games in front, in second and then two games in front of them is Rumballara. So yeah, this weekend, rumballara taking on Achuki United at home at Rumballara, I'm pretty sure it'll be an all-over Red Rover game to Rumballara. Their shooting circle will be pretty dominant.
Speaker 1:But in saying that, as I said, they have sort of lost a bit of their mojo over the last two, three weeks, whether that's structural-wise, because players haven't been playing. As I said, tiana Steele, in that defensive end, their mid-court has been able to carry each other. So Madika was away for a while and then Emily was away, so Sarah and Kai were able to, you know, step into that and everything else. So they've been able to couple each other in the mid-court. It's just, you know I don't want to put the moz on them, but you know one of those shooters goes down. I know Emily can play goal attack, but it won't be as strong. They'll do a great job, but you've got your defenders that go down. As I said, tash Bamlett comes back into it. So it'll be interesting to see, if Tiana Steele does play tomorrow, how her and Tash Bamlett do play in that defensive circle, how their connection is, how their voice is and everything else. It's going to be. It's probably the game for it to happen, because I really don't think Achuki and I are going to put it up to them all that much. I mean, yeah, they could prove me wrong because Tana Edwards she is a very good shooter when she's on song. So, yeah, it'll be a good test of character for Rumballara coming into the last three rounds, which is vital for their finals chances. So, as I said, it's going to be interesting.
Speaker 1:Yeah, back to the ladder. As I said, finlay and Tony sitting on the same points, and then Denny and Nathalia sitting on the same points. Moela they probably needed to win last week against Rumbela to have any chance of trying to sneak that top six. I don't think they will because they are well, actually they're only a game and a half out. So mathematically, probably the only side outside the top six would be Mo Whaler to get into finals. But that's just going to be. Yeah, it'll be up to other sides doing Moela a favour.
Speaker 1:And if we look at the draw, yeah, for the next four games, yeah, it's going to be interesting. So Denny play Cobham, so Denny's going to win that. Tongala play Beruga Tony will play that. So they'll all stay on the same points. Finlay play Kingupner. You would think that Finlay's going to beat Kingupner in that. Moama and Moala. So this is probably a game where Moala would want to really probably yeah, look at, probably wanting to try and win against Moema. I mean, it's going to be a tough ask because they do need to win some games, moela, if they're going to make the top six, and then obviously Nathalia playing Yumerka, and Nathalia will stay in the top six for the time being.
Speaker 1:Then you get into the last three rounds, and the last three rounds are where Rumba. You know they need to really, really stamp their authority. So, as I said, round 16, they do play Denny. But if we look at the rest of the side my way, my, yeah, as I said, my way they're not going to lose second position. Um, they could even go top if, if all of a sudden, rumble r crashes and lose three in a row, um, yeah, who knows, it possibly could happen. But you're looking at my way, my place can go up now again. You know, I feel so sorry for Moela because, as I said, they probably should have. You know, they wanted to win against Rambalara because they play Moema this week, but then they go ahead and play Tongala. So they're really out of those two games. They've got to try and win one, maybe. Yeah, they've probably got to. Out of the next four games, moela probably need to win at least three to get into the six and really rely on sides above them to lose. And then you talk about the sides above them. You know, unfortunately Nathalia plays Beruga, so you pretty much say that Nathalia's got the chocolates there.
Speaker 1:Finlay play Achuki United. I really think, with Chelsea at the helm at Finlay, they'll beat Achuki United. I really think, with Chelsea at the helm at Finlay, they'll beat Achuki United. Cobham and Denny and, as I said, daniloquin and Rumba. So, yeah, rumba beat Denny there. Denny will stay on points. It's going to be a tussle, who you know between, as I said, third, fourth, fifth and sixth is the way the ladder will be made up. And then you look at the last. You know the second, last round. Finlay play Cobham. So you know, another win to Finlay. So they're not going to drop any spots.
Speaker 1:Moela and Nathaya. So, as I said, moela need to probably win at least three of these games. And yeah, they've got Moema. Who else did I say they had, they had Tony.
Speaker 1:If they can win, look, I don't think they'll beat Moema, but you know, tony haven't been playing very good netball either. But if they can beat Tiny and then they beat Nathalia, you know that sixth position probably wouldn't. It's probably not looking healthy for Nathalia. So Moela could really pinch that. And then, obviously, you know this would be it's going to be a preview to second semifinal and look, I honestly think you know the will be. It's going to be a preview to second semifinal. And look, I honestly think you know the way the two sides are playing. It'll probably be a preview for the grand final. But round 17 at Rumballara pencil it in.
Speaker 1:Rumballara versus Moema. It'll be another cracking game. So, as we know, moema Rumballara come from six goals down to win by eight goals against them. Round two at Moama this is at home to Rumballara Preview, for it doesn't matter. It don't matter unless Rumballara lose three games in a row and, for some reason, tiny win. But these two will be playing in a row and for some reason, tiny win. And yeah, but yeah, these two will be playing in a second semi-final at moa. At moa, um, sorry, at rumballara, um, second week of finals. So round 17 will be a preview of that and I really think either one of them yeah, I think they'll both play in a grand final. That that in my thoughts um tongala and denny, that is another and, as I said so, so really my wayland need these top sides to do them a favor by losing for them to really try and get into that top six. And they still, mathematically, have got a chance up and up, like as of now, my way I've got a mathematic chance of getting into the top six. You're Merk and Achuk United and can get in the Baruga. They're sort of dead rubbers now.
Speaker 1:And then the final round again, another cracking game is coming up. So, first off, Moela plays Cobram, so there's possibly a three If Moela beat Tony, they beat Nathalia and then they beat Cobham and Nathalia lose. So Nathalia and Finlay. So this last round of netball, which is on the 24th of August, this probably will shape the top six August. This probably will shape the top six.
Speaker 1:I don't think fifth, sixth and seventh is settled yet. I really don't think it's settled. So this last game, because, as I said, moela need to win probably three games and they need sides above them to lose If they can beat Tony, if they beat Danny sorry, beat Tony beat Nathalia. Well, cobham's a hammy, they will definitely beat Cobham. So there's your three games, and then it all comes down to like Finlay playing Nathalia, so Nathalia could lose, so Nathalia's sitting on that sixth position at the moment, so it's not safe for them.
Speaker 1:Danny will play Baruga, they'll beat Baruga, and Guttman and Achuki and all Achuki. That's a dead rubber. And then the other cracking game two weeks in a row Well, you might as well say three weeks in a row Rumbelara will play the game of the round, and last round they play Tongala. So it's ideal that you probably need that to come come into finals. You don't really want to be playing three easy games coming into finals because you're sort of going to be underdone, whereas here they're going to be up and about and they'll know, yeah, they'll be known what to expect.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, the, as I said, fourth, fifth and sixth well, maybe fifth, sixth and seventh at the moment is not settled in this ladder and that is fifth, sixth and seventh. That is Denny, nathalia and Moela. I mean, you know, in reality Nathalia could drop out because I think Denny got a bit of an easy run home. But, yeah, nathalia could drop out Moela. Could you know if they beat? If they beat Tony, they beat. Nathalia could drop out Moela. Could you know if they beat? If they beat Tony, they beat Nathalia. And then obviously they're going to beat Cobram If they go ahead and do that and Nathalia loses two games. Well, see you later. Nathalia, you dropped out of the six, so that last round could be pinnacle to who actually plays in finals, because I really think Tony and Finlay they're definitely settled in.
Speaker 1:I'd definitely say that Rambalara, moama, tongala and Finlay will play A-grade Murray League finals this year. It's just a matter of what happens with Danny, nathalia and Moala and it starts this year. It's just a matter of what happens with Denny, nathalia and Moela, and it starts this weekend. Yeah, and it'll be interesting to see. But, as I said, game this week is Rumballara versus Chuky United. Rumballara will do it easy, I'm pretty sure of it. They do have that major injury to Jessie Bamblett, so she holds that defensive circle together with Tiana Steele. Tiana Steele hasn't been there for two weeks. I haven't heard whether she's coming back this week. I really don't know. But yeah, the next four rounds of Murray League are going to be intense and it's going to pretty much mould. Who plays in finals?
Speaker 1:As I said, second last round will be the preview of the second semifinal and that will be 100%. It's already locked in. It'll be Rumballara versus Moama at Rumballara second semifinal and then whatever happens after that, because Tongala and Finlay will definitely play finals. But you're looking at Danny and Nathaya and Moela. Moela's been playing some good netball. They probably, you know, were probably kicking themselves now that they wish they had a beaten Rumble R. They only went down by 16 goals, but you know, anything's possible. That fourth, fifth, oh sorry that fifth, sixth and seventh spot on the on the murray league, a grade netball um ladder at the moment and not settled. I don't think they'll be settled until the last round. But, as I said, second last round, 24th of august. Um, yeah, you want to watch a cracking game. It'll be a preview of two sides that will probably, most likely play off in a grand final against each other. Come and see Rambalara versus Moama and then, if you miss that one, come and see them in the second semifinal, because they will definitely be playing second semifinal. But yeah, rambalara this weekend against Chiki United. I'd say it'll be a 25 to maybe 30-goal win to Rumballara. Hopefully they get their mojo back because they're going to need it coming into finals with the next three games after this weekend. It's going to be hard for them, so it'll be interesting to see. I don't think they'll want to lose or drop three games because that'll make them drop into second place and Moama will be minor premiers and yeah, that'll be it and then they're obviously going to have bragging rights coming into finals. So I think Rumballara will want to try and stay strong and finish off on a good note, with the last three games being cracker games.
Speaker 1:But I'm Nuff Said, I'm your host. Thank you for listening. As I said, this is just a roundabout podcast about a man talking netball that gets criticized about it. Thank you for listening. Have a great weekend. A couple of cracking games coming up in the Murray League A-grade netball, which will determine finals positions, but guaranteed second semifinal at Rumballara Home game is locked in. It'll be Rumballara versus Moama, and it will be an absolute cracking game. First off, though, rumballara got to get over the Chicky United, daniloquin, moama and then Tongala, but it'll be interesting. Anyway, thank you for listening. Again, I'm Nuff Said, I'm out. Have a great weekend and go watch yourself some netball. I'm out Bye.
