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In what looms as a mouth-watering top of the ladder clash between two old foes, a classic Victoria vs South Australia clash will decide who is the number one Australian team thus far in the 2012 ANZ Championship.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds look to have the upperhand, playing on their home court this afternoon, and appear most likely to pull of a victory to cement themselves as premiership favourites, adding to their 2010 title.
The firepower up forward of Jamaican Carla Borrego, who is this years leading goal scorer with 73 goals from two games, and the deftly swift, smooth movement of goal attack Erin Bell should prove to slick for the Melbourne Vixens, as both aim to continue their undefeated runs this season.
A mid court battle between two teams who rely heavily on speed and fast movement to the circle-edge, may be the deciding factor between these traditional rivals.
Thunderbirds, who boast a stellar midcourt with Diamonds captain Nat Von Bertouch, and Diamonds squad members Renee Hallinan, a former Vixen, and wing attack Emily Beaton, look to have the edge over a younger, but still quality Vixens line up. The feeding prowess of Von Bertouch and Beaton, should provide the advantage over their Vixens counterparts.
The Vixen’s versatility may provide the X factor for today’s tight tussle, and may give the edge needed to knock off the in-form Adelaide side.
The Thunderbirds, whilst boasting arguably the strongest all court team in the competition, appear not to have the ability, or depth to change their line up as radically as their Victorian counterparts.
As displayed already this year, Vixens have the ability to switch-up their on court line-up and confuse teams, which proved the difference in game one against the reigning premiers, the Queensland Firebirds.
If the Vixens can exploit their height in attack again this game, they may be able to utilize the twin towers of Kate Beveridge and Karyn Howarth to pull off an unexpected victory.
The main hope for a Vixens victory lies with the all-star defensive line up of Australian Diamonds squad members Julie Corletto and Bianca Chatfield, and England goal keeper Geva Mentor. The defensive trio provide experience, speed, and versatitlity, which is key to confusing the space and feeding opportunities for a Thunderbirds front line, who thrive on speed, and pinpoint passing to the towering Borrego under the post.
Both these team’s appear to have competitive line ups for the 2012 season, however, the edge in this afternoons clash should lie with the Thunderbirds, as their all court line up should prove too strong for a spirited Vixens, who will as always be aiming to knock off their interstate foes and claim the number one Aussie position early in the season.