West Leagues Balance coach Tracey Baggs expects University of Newcastle goal shooter Sabina Gomboso to prove her side's "biggest challenge" when they battle for outright second place in Newcastle netball championship at National Park on Saturday.
West regular defence end trio Mikenzie McManus, Karli Harris and Natarlia Manning are all unavailable for the round-seven clash. Baggs is instead likely to rely on opens players Ella Butcher, Jemma Lucas and Emrah Manning.
"We are lacking a defence end but I'm comfortable and confident with my young girls stepping up," Baggs said. "They did it a few times last year and it's a good opportunity."
University have lost circle defender Keely Mullins to a season-ending ankle injury and Kim Williams is unavailable this weekend.
Both sides are locked on 15 points after four wins and one loss with University sitting second and West third on percentages.
"With West you never know who's playing and who's not playing, depending on their premier league commitments," University coach Traci Baber said.
"We're expecting a good game and the girls are up for it. We've been playing really good netball and we have to keep winning to be in that top two spot."
Unbeaten competition leaders Souths (17) play Inner Glow (13), who slipped out of the top four and into fifth position after a 19-goal loss to West last weekend.
Inner Glow coach Dwight Graham said consistency was costing his side, who are without goal keeper Caitlin Davis and goal shooter Aela Streatfield through unavailability but have midcourter Jessika Christensen back in the side this weekend.
"We need to be staying in the game for four quarters and not one or two quarters," Graham said.
"The key to that is not losing focus, not letting one turnover turn into two or three turnovers.
"We're going up against a side who would have to be favourites. They're unbeaten, they're very strong right through the court and they'll have a good degree of confidence. It's a good test for our mental strength."
Fourth-placed Nova Thunder (13) play BNC Whanau (6). Kotara South (7) go up against Junction Stella (7). All games are at 3.48pm.
