JORDAN Macilwain has engaged in many tough battles on the netball court for Maryborough.
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She expects her 200th game for the Magpies this weekend to be no different.
Macilwain reaches her milestone against Golden Square, with Maryborough in need of a victory to keep pace with the BFNL's leading brigade.
The Magpies are one of five teams entering the weekend with a 3-2 record, below ladders Sandhurst and Golden Square on 4-1.
Macilwain said the Magpies would certainly have their work cut out for them against a talented and skilled Bulldogs' line-up, whose ranks include the player the star shooter nominated as her toughest opponent, Allira Holmes.
"It's always a tough battle when we come head-to-head, she's just an exceptional defender," she said.
"I don't know where I'll start this week, whether I start on Allira or out at goal attack.
"But I've played a lot of netball with Allira and really value her on the court."
Macilwain arrived at Maryborough as a 14-year-old, playing her first games for the club in the 17-and-under team.
"It was very nerve-racking coming into a major league at that age, but I've been very fortunate to have some great coaches along the way and some good mentors," she said.
"Alicia Cassidy is one I am very fortunate enough to still be playing with.
"The likes of Laura Hurse, Alisha Chadwick, who has just finished up, and Cindy Cossar, who was someone I played with first-up in goals in the A-grade - she was a really big support coming in at a young age."
The now 25-year-old, who shared the Magpies' 2014 best and fairest award with Cassidy, views her various club award wins not as highlights, but as an "honour and privilege."
She said the Magpies had battled to put a settled line-up on the court each week, particularly in attack, but could set up their season with a win over the Bulldogs.
"Golden Square is an unreal team and has every aspect of the court covered, but I'm sure our girls will put everything out there and really have a crack," she said.
"We're missing a goalie at the moment - we've had goalies come in and out of the team each week.
"But this week we are running with Keely Hare, who I have been fortunate enough to coach in under-17s, so it's exciting being able to step out for the 200th time with a junior I really admire.
"She's putting a lot of effort in on the court."
Macilwain said she had been impressed with the first-up efforts of new coach Anika Munn, who made her way to the Magpies after a successful career in the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league.
"She brings that real drive onto the court and is someone who gives her heart and soul on the court," she said.
"That's what we want in a leader and coach from week-to week."
OTHER GAMES
South Bendigo's new-found form will be put to the test against top-of-the-ladder Sandhurst, which is looking to rebound from a defeat to Eaglehawk.
Bloods coach Benita Swatton said the clash at the QEO would given accurate indication of her side's relative strength against high-calibre opposition.
"They'll be one of the benchmarks of A-grade and throughout all the grades, she said.
"We'll know exactly where we sit after playing them.
"I think either way the girls will have a good run against them, but they'll need to put in the hard work against a top opponent."
A week after opening its account, Strathfieldsaye will look to score back-to-back wins at Castlemaine, while Kyneton hosts Kangaroo Flat.
On Sunday, third-placed Gisborne comes up against sixth-placed Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park in a game crucial to both teams' fortunes.
On Sunday, third-placed Gisborne comes up against sixth-placed Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park in a game crucial to both teams' fortunes.
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