AN EXCITING first home game at Harry Trott Oval will be more than just a historic occasion for South Bendigo's netballers.
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It will be a chance for the Bloods to establish a positive win-loss ratio and notch their third straight win for the first time since the 2014 season.
To do that, South Bendigo must overcome a Kyneton team desperate to find its first win of the season.
The Bloods, under second-year coach Benita Swatton, enter the round five contest full of confidence after consecutive victories against Castlemaine and finals aspirants Maryborough.
With plenty of fresh-faces in the Bloods line-up, Swatton is confident her new-look line-up is starting to gel.
"We've finally hit some form, so hopefully we can get that third win on the board," she said.
"The girls played really well against Maryborough.
"Obviously with a brand new squad it has taken some time to get it together, but it looks like they are clicking now."
The inclusion of former White Hills and Kangaroo Flat player Brooke Lawry has added depth and class inside the Bloods' goal circle, while newcomers Emily Cossar, Lorrae Closter and Chloe Adams are among those now making their mark at South Bendigo.
The clash against the Tigers will be the first of three at Harry Trott Oval for South Bendigo this season, with games to follow against Gisborne (July 1) and Kangaroo Flat (August 26).
While a permanent move is still at least 12 months away, Swatton said the new facilities had buoyed her playing group.
"We're still living between the two, the majority of our games are still at the QEO, but training out at Harry Trott has been great," she said.
The Bloods will officially mark their first netball game at Harry Trott Oval with an opening ceremony at 12.15pm.
With Kyneton only having two teams this season, the B-reserve game will start at 12.40pm with A-grade to follow at 2pm.
Meanwhile, second-placed Gisborne challenges fourth-placed Golden Square, and top-of-the-ladder Sandhurst takes on fifth-placed Eaglehawk in a pair of matches that will carry finals implications for all concerned.
Gisborne rebounded from a loss to Kangaroo Flat with a 52-29 win over Strathfieldsaye last round, and through the likes of VNL players Maddy Stewart and Ella Bertachinni, has more than enough talent to pose plenty of worries for their Bulldogs rivals, who have centre Kelly Wilson in excellent form and Gabe Richards and Julie Fennell combining well in the goal circle.
Eaglehawk is evenly poised at 2-2, but would dearly love to add a genuine top-five scalp to its wins over South Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye.
That will be easier said than done against a Dragons team containing plenty of in-form players, led by midcourters Brooke Bolton and Meg Williams.
In other games, Starthfieldsaye hosts Maryborough and Castlemaine travels to Kangaroo Flat.