Confederates are missing three of their biggest stars ahead of their clash with the leaders of the Premier League Hockey season in CYMS, but coach Fiona Reith is excited for the chance to test the club's depth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eva Reith-Snare is still weeks away with a broken foot while Brooke Pilcher is refereeing at the NSW under-18s boys tournament in Lismore, with gun Parkes recruit India Draper is unavailable.
However, Reith said it was a chance to bring in three juniors to make their mark in the top tier, with the coach turning to Sally Uttley, Charlotte Heath and Lily Irskine and Emily Gould to step into the void left by three of the team's stars.
In fact, missing the three stars will be better for the side in the long term.
If we stay competitive for the full four quarters I'll be happy, we need to play within our game-plan.
- Fiona Reith
"We've had to adjust game plans and positions, Eva's one of our key ball-handlers and not having her there has given other people a shot in that role," Reith said.
"It makes them take a bit more on, with a full team they might think 'oh Eva will do it' or 'India will do it' but with them out they have to step up and I quite like that."
Heidi Townsend has been one to step into the massive shoes of Reith-Snare, being one of the side's main ball controllers in their opening three games to the PLH season.
However, they'll be facing their toughest challenge of the year this weekend when they collide with CYMS in a derby match, which Feds acknowledge will be a massive challenge.
"If we stay competitive for the full four quarters I'll be happy, we need to play within our game-plan," Reith said.
"I think we're a bit of a chance, missing goal scorers but that might make the others step up."
However, she said having a local derby meant the stakes would seem higher no matter what she said.
"Local derbies are different, more intense ... I'm not too focused on them and I told them with CYMS going so well I want to make sure we play our way. I'm being realistic with it."
Confederates take on CYMS from 12.30pm at Orange Hockey Centre on Saturday, with Ex-Services hosting Panthers at the same venue from 1.55pm.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...