The Glenice Justin-coached Power takes on Merrivale in an intriguing Warrnambool and District league clash at Noorat Recreation Reserve today.

The clash pre-empts a tricky assignment against Allansford and a second date with the Tigers, such are the quirks of the fixture.

Three wins would put the Power, 6-3 at the halfway mark of the season, on track for a spot in finals and in control of its destiny.

But a treble of defeats will leave it fighting with the Cats, Tigers, Timboon Demons and potentially Russells Creek for a top-five berth.

“We’re the only team (in the top five) that lost last week. That put us from second to fifth,” Justin said.

“I want to keep the wolves off the back door. We play Merrivale twice in the three weeks. It’s such an unusual draw.

“I’m thinking if we can win those games, it might put a gap between us and the others. And then obviously Allansford are thereabouts with us as well.

“It will be interesting to see where we match with them. By then we would’ve played everyone once and we’ll have a better idea where we sit.”

Justin said she had been rapt with the Power’s first nine rounds. She had been pleasantly surprised with how well the young side had handled A grade netball.

Laura Bourke, Molly Bourke, Laura Kemp, Bethany O’Sullivan and Brooke Hoare are either still in juniors or first-year seniors.

Goal shooter Penny Smith, into her second year in seniors, is also part of the youngest side in the league.

“Linda Clifford went off the court injured in the last quarter on Saturday and I brought on a 15-year-old (Hoare),” Justin said.

“I looked on the court and there were five players 17 years or under. They’re not young 20-year-olds, they’re 17 and one was 15. I think that’s exciting.

“This year, wherever we get is hopefully better than last year but I can see it bodes well for the future. That’s what I felt my role was coming into the season.

“It wasn’t to necessarily win a premiership, we thought that was a bit unrealistic, but it was to improve and develop those juniors.”

In other A grade action, Dennington plays Allansford at Dennington Recreation Reserve in a clash between two sides with 7-2 records.

Nirranda and East Warrnambool will chase their first win of the season on neutral territory at Timboon Recreation Reserve. Deakin University hosts Timboon Demons at D. C. Farran Oval, while South Rovers welcome Panmure to Walter Oval.

And Old Collegians start favourites to maintain their two-match break at the top of the ladder against Russells Creek at Davidson Oval.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au