2009 Nationals Preview Part 3a: The East (women)

The East region has traditionally been rather dominant in our little old sport. However hints continue to drop that the reign is on the way out and there's room for a new superpower region. Look at AUG last year, where East only had one semi finalist for the first time ever. And look at the Nationals field - in terms of numbers of players going across both divisions, East is taking less than South (136 and 153 respectively). But it is still expected that East teams will be strong contenders in both divisions.


WILDCARD
Home town: Sydney
Captain: Rachel Grindlay
Qualified: 1st from East
Last year: 2nd

After losing their mantle last year to Ragine Wahine, Wildcard are gunning for their second national title and they are considered favourites to do just that. Their list reveals a lot of depth - some teams may be able to contain one or two of their top players, but the bottom end of Wildcard's squad is better than the bottom end of pretty much every other team. Probably the key thing missing is height. Other than the Carraros there's not a solid match up on the likes of Lauren Brown and Ash Martens, but this is only a very minor weakness, especially if they can effectively shut down the known huckers. Expect Wildcard to be cleated up on Sunday.

Key player: Megan Gamble
How Megan had the stamina (and money!) to star at Worlds, AUG and Mixed Nats in the space of a couple of months is beyond me.

Keep an eye on: Loren Viswalingam
Another World Juniors rep making her Nationals debut. Was one of Terra's best defenders in Vancouver.



FACTORY GIRLS
Home town: Canberra
Captain: Jess Preston
Qualified: 2nd from East (4th at Regionals)
Last year: 5th

Factory Girls have been hit by the cost of west coast travel, with only 5 of last year's squad turning out. Notable exceptions for 2009 include Lorna Barr, Laina Hall and Lucy Stevenson. However they have picked up some valuable experience in Vickie Saye (from Sugar Mags) and Erin Wallis (from Indies). The Canberra women haven't seen semi finals action since the last Perth Nationals in 2005, so with a smaller field of teams they'll be hoping to replicate that performance. But with so many players having their first trip to the show, I don't think they'll be able to crack the top four.

Key player: Helen Osmond
Big game experience is going to be essential in Perth, and Helen is no stranger to the elite scene.

Keep an eye on: Erin Wallis
Sure, everyone knows who Erin is, but how well will she be able to adapt to a new club?



SUGAR MAGS
Home town: Newcastle
Captain: Leanne King
Qualified: 3rd from East (6th at Regionals)
Last year: 9th

Newcastle's dominance of the mixed scene in 2006 and 2007 has carried over into a strong men's team in 2009, but the women haven't quite hit that pinnacle yet. The story of Australian ultimate, I suppose. Last year Sugar Mags took 20 to Coffs, and this year they're down to 14. Most teams are in that boat, but when you've lost the likes of Nic Footer, Felicity Jarrott and Jane Altschwager (to that pesky ball sport she plays), it may reveal some gaps. Still, Tegan Sneddon and Katie Bradstock give them the edge in pace, and the two Kings will be consistent as always. Definite top eight, probably not semis.

Key player: Katie Bradstock
Fresh from selection for the World Games team, she'll be on the end of a lot of deep throws.

Keep an eye on: Liz Dodd
Unlucky to miss Green & Gold at AUG. Good handling support for the Kings.



East Open follows tomorrow...