The Eden Whalers women are in their best form yet and it’s come at the right time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Whalers will host the third-placed Pambula Panthers in the final round of the home and away season before launching into their finals campaign and flag defense.
The Whalers put on a textbook display of finesse and ability when they swept aside the Narooma Lions 11-5-71 to 1-2-8 on Saturday.
Despite fronting up on their home turf, the Lions had limited play out of the ruck as the Whalers took control from the outset to keep the hosts scoreless until the third quarter.
Eden star forward Kamilla Grubesic showed why she will be a candidate as one of the league’s best with another thrilling performance, booting seven goals for the visitors.
Both Mitchell sisters, Kate and Mel, kicked a handy two goals each, while Eden has shown it is one of the most structured and able teams across the park.
The Whalers back-line repeatedly turned the Lions away when they did get some forward opportunities, while Ebony Dykhoff-Darrington, Ally Crowe and Tammy Whitford are an ever-present threat floating through the midfield.
The sole goal-kicker for the Lions was Kirby Mackie as the hosts just couldn’t string together attacking runs against the well-orchestrated Eden outfit.
Its a positive sign for the Eden club, who will host the Panthers in the final round of the regular draw this weekend.
The Panthers have kept the Eden side to a draw earlier in the season, but the Whalers have shown even stronger depth in their combinations since the result.
Both clubs will be gunning for the result to head into the opening round of SCAFL finals with confidence.
Eden is the most dominant attacking side in the draw, kicking 200 points clear of the ladder-leading Sea Eaglettes.
However, their defense isn’t lacking either, conceding just 11 more points than the Tathra contingent over 16 rounds – and the drawn result against Pambula is the only thing separating Eden from holding the top place on the ladder.
Unfortunately the Eden men’s side will finish the year on the weekend, sitting at the bottom of the competition table.
The Whalers have shown flashes of brilliance with some emerging young players adding spark to the roster.
However, it has not been enough in a closely contested men’s draw with northern clubs showing drastically improved strength on the field.
The seniors will also play host to the Panthers at the Eden Cricket Ground this Saturday.
Club supporters are encouraged to head along for the final home round of the season for the Whalers.
Senior play will go ahead at the ground from 1.10pm with the first bounce in the men’s draw at 2.30pm.