A RECAP OF LAST WEEK: Golden Square breaks through for first win
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KYNETON A-grade netball coach Karlie Plowman is confident the Tigers can build on their impressive start to the BFNL season.
The Tigers remain one of three undefeated teams after three rounds and will look to keep that unblemished record intact against Maryborough this weekend.
But Plowman is cautious of history repeating itself.
The Tigers started confidently last season only to fade from finals contention mid-season. They also lost twice to the Magpies.
Plowman said quick, "high intensity" starts had been the key to the Tigers' positive early form.
"We've worked on having really good starts, which has helped us build up a handy lead going into the game," she said.
"We are going to focus on being that little bit more consistent in the next few weeks.
"But overall the whole team has improved from last year and playing with a lot more confidence."
A more obvious key to the Tigers fortunes, according to Plowman, has been the sparkling form of Michelle Fletcher.
"She is just so consistent and so driven," she said.
"She is our captain this year and has taken on that role brilliantly.
"She has definitely been our standout so far."
Plowman was expecting a tough challenge from Maryborough, which has a record of troubling the Tigers.
"They have really stepped up their game in recent years," she said.
"They actually beat us in both of the rounds we played them.
"We expect another tough game this weekend, but I think we are in a really good place ourselsves, so we are looking forward to the contest."
The Magpies have wins over Castlemaine and Eaglehawk this season, punctuated by a loss to Sandhurst.
Their finals aspirations would be well served with another early season victory.
Meanwhile, top of the ladder Sandhurst face possibly their toughest test to date against Gisborne.
The Dragons warmed up with a big win against South Bendigo, but will be wary of a Bulldogs outfit that has a win over reigning premiers Golden Square and narrow losses to undefeated Kangaroo Flat and Kyneton.
Sandhurst will have no shortage of motivation after being eliminated from last year's finals series by the Bulldogs in a 36-35 semi-final thriller.
In other games, Strathfieldsaye hosts Eaglehawk with the both the Storm and Hawks needing a win to maintain contact with the top brigade.
Golden Square travel to Castlemaine and South Bendigo face Kangaroo Flat.