After back-to-back losses, Navarre’s A Grade side will be bolstered by the return of three players for Saturday’s crucial game against Maryborough Rovers.
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The Grasshoppers have had a troublesome two weeks, dropping games to Maldon and Dunolly to cling onto eighth spot by just four points.
A handful of players have been unavailable for the reigning premiers in recent weeks, with the A Grade team being helped out by a variety of junior and C and B Grade players.
Navarre A Grade coach Taylor Mason said she has been extremely proud of the club in trying times.
“It has been a great club effort the last few weeks,” she said.
“It is times like this that makes you proud to be a part of a club like Navarre.”
“We have been really unlucky with injuries and illnesses, but it has been a good opportunity to give some different players a go.
“These girls will be future A Grade players for the club.”
Caitlyn Murphy, Sophie Flood and Georgia McDermott are all expected to return to Navarre’s A Grade team this weekend.
Mason said it will be good to have the return of those players.
“While the girls did their best stepping up into the A Grade team, having a lot of experienced A Grade players return to the side will be great,” she said.
“We are definitely keen to get our name back on the winners list.”
Mason said she has continued to be impressed by junior Mia Jensz, especially in the absence of the raft of senior players.
“Mia has been outstanding the last few weeks,” she said.
“She has had a terrific all round season, but she has really stood up for us when things have been tough.”
Navarre face four top eight sides in the remaining four games of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season.
Mason said her team understands the difficult task ahead for the next month, but believes they are up to the challenge.
“We are still fighting and we won’t stop,” she said.
“We know we have a tough run home, but I have confidence in our team to be able to get the job done to make sure we are playing finals.”
Mason also said she believes if her side can finish in the top eight anything is possible.
“We got to within one goal of Trentham and no one else has gotten closer,” she said.
“I think that no one can say they are premiership favourites, because there are a lot of teams, including us, that are capable of winning from this point.”
The Grasshoppers travel to Jubilee Oval, Maryborough for the all important game.
