Tara Murray
Altona Gators are drawing on their depth in the Big V women’s division 1-2 competition.
The Gators have started the season well with six wins and a loss, but have had a couple of injuries to key players.
Gators coach Randy Shanklin said they were happy with how the season has started.
“We are happy but it has been disappointing with a few injuries that have left us up against it,” he said.
“We’re trying to get through it.”
Alysha Carden-David missed their round four and five games and will be out for a couple more weeks.
Sharna Nani-Leifi hurt her knee just before half time in round five.
Shanklin said that they were waiting on scans but it didn’t look good and she could be out for the whole season.
He said they’ve had to make some adjustments on court to try and fill the void.
“A bit more small ball,” he said. “ More of the smaller girls are rolling through and we already run a lot of youth girls through the team.
“When Sharna went down it was just before half time and the group stayed focus throughout even though they were a bit worried.”
Shanklin said to start the season so well was a key for them having started last season with four losses.
With the competition to split into two midway through the season, the good start will prove vital.
“It makes a difference when you can get going,” he said. “There is self belief that is there which is good.
“You can kind of see the split already. We want to make the top four, not just the top group. We want to be a contender in division 1, otherwise you may as well be in division 2.”
The Gators had a bye on the weekend.
While it was good for their injured players, Shanklin said he’s not the biggest fan of byes.
The last time the Gators had a week off, they suffered their only loss of the season.
“There’s no point resting, you can rest in the off season.”
The Gators this week face Warrandyte Venom on Saturday night.
In the men’s division 1 competition, the Gators had a big win against ladder leaders RMIT Redbacks.
The Gators set up the win in the first half before finishing the game off strongly, winning 106-76.
Brian Adams top scored with 26 points as six players scored double figures.
The Gators this week face Whittlesea Pacers in a rematch of last year’s division 2 grand final.
