Red74
Years ago
NBL1-West Round 1 Womens preview and predictions
FRIDAY
WOLVES v EAGLES
Well, this could be very ugly. Wolves have returned in 2021 with almost the same squad that won the WWC in 2020, with the only change being Tia Ucich in and Mikayla Pirini out. According to the NBL1-West roster page the Eagles only have 5 rostered players.....and of those 5 players BJ Moyes, Tahlia Fejo and Mary Goulding are all new to the club. It will be another long year playing young athletes at Morley and lets hope this game isn't over at quarter time.
Wolves by 40.
MAGIC v SLAMMERS
Magic return with a new coach and the usual veteran suspects. Halleen, Boag, Pettit, Klasztorny and Milo (although not listed on NBL1-West roster, I have heard rumours of her return) will do a lot of the heavy lifting for Coach Alava. Slammers…..only 3 players on the roster page. It will be a battle for the wooden spoon between the Slammers and Eagles in 2021.
Magic by 12.
COUGARS v FLAMES
Cougars have loaded up with additions of Jessie Edwards, Taylah Simmons and Molly Mathews and it would be playoffs or bust for Coach TT out in the Cougar Den. The Flames return with most of their 2020 WWC roster and it is rumored that Darcee Garbin has signed for a team over east to focus on Opal preparations. These two teams played a scratch match less then 4 days ago with "alleged games being played" off the court. The loss of Garbin is too big to cover for the Flames.
Cougars by 10.
SENATORS v REDBACKS
2020 WWC MVP Stacey Barr returns with Lynx player MCH and a returning Caitie Jones from College. Most of the squad is back from 2020 however do seem younger than in previous years. Mak Dyer returns to the Spiders after seasons with Slammers and Senators along with the defensive rock Allen, JJ and Ashworth. The Dimanlig sisters come across from East Perth and Raya Thompson from the Slammers. This game should be a tight battle, but not a smooth one.
Redbacks by 6.
SATURDAY
SLAMMERS v SENATORS
Both teams back up from Friday nights opener and one team will come out of this contest with 0-2 start.
Senators by 15.
EAGLES v MAGIC
Another two teams backing up from Friday night. With the Eagles younger squad they should push a “more experienced (read:older)” team, however will start 2021 0-2.
Magic by 15.
TIGERS v LIGHTNING
Will Alex Sharp play? The Tigers return with Coach Parker and his usual suspects for 2021. A young Tigers team lost to the Redbacks up at Mundaring Arena in the NB1 West Fundraiser Game for Disaster Relief Australia. Lakeside have added Lynx player Emma Clarke, former Sun/Lightning player Alecia Knowles and Mikayla Pirini and Coach Daniels, who is head coach of both the mens and womens teams. If Sharp plays it will be a closer contest, however I believe she is over east for the 3x3 Aus. Trials.
Lakeside by 17.
