Sitting third on the A-grade ladder with an impressive record of 9-2-1, the Blues have put together a fantastic season and passed nearly all tests with flying colours.
There is one thing lacking from the resume however, and that is a win against a fellow top four side.
This makes Saturday’s clash with the undefeated Deniliquin Rams absolutely vital, as a win cements the Blues’ status as a premiership contender, while a loss puts them back among the pack.
Tongala coach Paige Wade said her team was excited for the challenge.
“We are really looking forward to the challenge of it and finally coming up against one of those top two teams,” Wade said.
“It will be a great indicator of where we are really at, we are very happy with our progress with a fairly young and new team.
“Over the past month I felt we have really started to gel as a unit and I am excited to put that on show against the benchmark of the competition.”
Renowned as two of the most attacking teams in the competition this season, Wade expects to see an entertaining and high-scoring game of netball, as both sides sport exciting trump cards in the goal ring.
“They’ve got a really strong attacking end with both their goalers being tall and good shooters, so we will have to work at shutting down the mid-court before it gets down that end,” she said.
“It will be a bit of a shoot-out I think with Milly (Brock) up one end and Rhiannan (Maxwell) up the other — so I think the fans watching will be treated to a very exciting game.”
As for the health of her side leading into this clash, Wade said the Blues were well rested and ready to go.
“Everyone is feeling really good, the bye came at a great time and we are all refreshed and excited to get back on court,” she said.
“We have definitely grown from the start of the year and our aim was to beat one of those top four teams, so after drawing with Nathalia we will be looking forward to putting it up to the top team this weekend.”
Around the courts, Moama will be looking to keep in touch with the top four as it welcomes Mulwala for a pivotal battle.
After its clash in round seven was controversially called off at half time due to poor court condition, Echuca United will have redemption on its mind as it makes the trip to Congupna.
Rumbalara will be looking to keep its winning streak going as it plays host to Finley.
Barooga will be eyeing off a fourth win of the season as it faces a winless Numurkah.
Nathalia rounds out the weekend’s action with a trip to the border to take on Cobram.
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