AFTER waiting on the sidelines as the Ovens and Murray competition wrapped up the split round five on the weekend, Myrtleford’s footballers and netballers will be eager to crack back into the season on Saturday.

The Saints will be back home at McNamara Reserve this weekend, taking on the revamped Corowa Rutherglen for the first time in the home and away season since August 27, 2022.

On the football side of things, the match looms as an important one for the Saints, who are currently winless in the senior football competition.

The Saints have been so close in their five matches, only losing by an average of just over 22 points – their largest losing margin was last weekend’s 46-point result, which only blew out late in the final term.

The Roos have also struggled since coming back into the O&M, and both sides will be desperate to claim precious premiership points and find reward for all the effort they’ve put into the year so far.

First year Saints Zac Pethybridge, Bowen Cologero and Jaxon East have been consistent performers since crossing to McNamara Reserve, alongside established players Brody Ricardi, Matt Munro and Mitch Dalbosco.

Dalbosco, East, Munro, Pethybridge and Ricardi were also named in the O&M senior interleague squad, set to take on GVL on May 25.

Over on the netball court, the A grade clash between the Saints and the Roos will have a personal touch.

Corowa Rutherglen superstar Sophie Hanrahan played with the Saints last season while the Roos were getting back on their feet as a club, and not only took out the Saints’ best and fairest award, but was also named joint recipient of the Toni Wilson Medal while playing in the red, white and black.

After falling 41-64 in their last match against Wangaratta, the A grade Saints will be keen to bounce back.

Coach Olivia La Spina said her squad would focus on playing their brand of netball.

“We're excited to come up against Corowa this weekend, they've shown in the early part of this season that they're a force,” she said.

“I'm sure it will be a strange feeling to go up against Sophie, who is my best friend, but we'll enjoy that time together on court again.

“I think as much as we had a tough loss last week against Wangaratta, our team is becoming more settled each week.

“We have some great depth at our club and I think that will shine through in all of our games on Saturday.”

The Myrtleford Saints host Corowa Rutherglen this Saturday at McNamara Reserve.