COLAC Tigers defender Emma Hillman is enjoying the challenge of playing against taller and stronger attacking players this season.

Hillman made the switch from CDFLNA side Irrewarra-Beeac to GFL club Colac Tigers this year and has had to work against taller opposition players.

Losses to Geelong West-St Peters, Bell Park and South Barwon have left Hillman in unfamiliar territory considering Irrewarra-Beeac’s winning history, which included an 81-game winning streak.

But the hardworking defender said testing herself at GFL level was rewarding.

“I’ve really enjoyed it so far we’ve had some really tough matches and played some of the better teams,” she said.

“We’ve played quite well and only lost by small margins each time so we’re getting there.”

Hillman said the quality and height of opposition players in GFL teams was

the most obvious difference from playing in the Colac district league.

“The height is the main thing, every girl I’ve lined up on is maybe a head taller than me,” she said.

“I’m the tallest player in our team and I’m not really that tall.

“Playing in front a lot and trying to force the ball high, Sara Hay and I have been trying split-ring defence and we try different things.”

The Tigers take on third-placed St Marys at Colac’s Central Reserve tomorrow and a win would have Colac closer to securing a top-five spot.

Hillman said Colac wanted to improve each week and work towards winning more games as the season progressed.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge and every game is going to be really tough but hopefully we can play well enough to win,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bell Park hosts Newtown and Chilwell, Geelong West-St Peters plays Lara and Grovedale is after its first win of the season against St Albans.

Reigning premier South Barwon takes on Leopold and St Josephs battles North Shore.