Emotions will be running high when Panmure hosts Russells Creek on Saturday as the two clubs play for the Forever Young Shield and remember five local youths killed in a 2011 car crash near Penshurst.
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The group of former Emmanuel College students included Rebecca McKenzie, who played netball for the Creekers and twin sisters Caroline and Olivia Wright, who played for the Bulldogs.
Russells Creek coach Thalia Robertson said the shield, held annually since 2012, was an important fixture to both clubs.
"We can remember them and remind ourselves not to take life for granted," she said.
Russells Creek had a bye last week but are on the cusp of the Warrnambool and District league's top five after strong wins over Allansford and East Warrnambool.
"We've been focusing on leads, re-offers and second efforts," Robertson said. "I want us to be more controlled when we're in possession of the ball.
"I think we still need a few more games to have my brand as a coach put on the girls, but they're responding really well."
Robertson said Sarah Forbes, who has scored 84 goals for Russells Creek in the club's last two outings while earning best-on-ground honours in two of the last three, had grabbed her attention this season.
The second-year mentor said Rachel Hansen, best on for the Creekers in round three, had also impressed.
Saturday's game will see Stacy Dunkley coach Panmure against Russells Creek, where she played for nine years, for the first time.
But Robertson said there would be no animosity.
"She left on good terms for a coaching opportunity and we supported her," she said.
Dunkley said she would trial a new goalie combination involving Josie Ellerton, Steph Jamieson and under 17s player Jess Gedye as the ninth-placed Bulldogs look for their third straight win.
"Playing my old side I'd love to come out and smash it on the head," she said.
"It's going to be very competitive but I'm also looking forward to hosting Russells Creek and catching up with some of the players.
"There's always going to be some nerves in a moment like this and while there's some new faces I think Sarah Wormald and Keely Price might give me some banter."
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