Koroit is hoping to have two key players back for next week's showdown against North Warrnambool Eagles
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The post-interleague bye clash pits the Hampden league's second and third-ranked sides against other in what will be the match of the round and effectively worth double points.
Injured premiership Saints players Rachel Dobson (foot) and Nell Mitchell (ankle) are possible returns for the Eagles game on May 25.
But the team has been getting by just fine all season without a consistent line-up, according to coach Stacey O'Sullivan, with a 56-33 drubbing of Portland last week to prove it.
"It was a pretty depleted side but we just got through it with whatever we could," she said.
A 41-goal haul from Lily Killey was more than enough to dispatch the winless Tigers.
But in the Eagles, O'Sullivan's side faces a far greater challenge.
"They've had their group together for a while now, so they would all know each other's game well," O'Sullivan said.
"I'm not too fussed about the ladder just yet though.
"We've had injuries, which happened to Koroit this time last year as well, so we're still waiting to settle a bit."
And while Zahli Adams was also unavailable for the Portland game, O'Sullivan said the teenager, who was best on court for the Koroit in the club's round one win over Hamilton Kangaroos, had been a revelation at since crossing from Port Fairy.
"She's brought lots of drive, speed and athleticism, which is good because our other two older defenders bring that experience," O'Sullivan said.
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Eagles coach Jaime Barr said she was wary of Koroit's potent mix of youth and experience: "We're still a young side, with Elisha (Carter) the only one near 30," she said.
"So I need our girls to be level-headed and on top of their game in terms of concentration."
Barr said her side was relishing the chance to prove themselves against the league's reigning premiers.
"The draw is super close," she said.
"This game might sort us out in terms of where we're at, so we're really looking forward to it."
She said her side took confidence from its grinding 46-39 victory over Warrnambool last week that saw goal-defender Grace Butters and goal-keeper Jordyn Billings contend with the Blues' tall timber in Amy Wormald and Danielle Keilar.
But not only was it the Eagles' third win on the trot, it was also Butters' 100th senior game, making things extra special for Barr, who coached the milestone player to an under 17s premiership back in 2008.
"I'm loving the chance to coach Grace at open grade," Barr said.
"She's worked really hard on her fitness and now has the chance to step up."
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