Netball
25 April, 2024
Stawell netballers pumped for 150th anniversary
When netball resumes in round two of the Wimmera Football Netball League, the Stawell players are excited and raring to go for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Coach Jemma Clarkson said they are excited and are looking to bounce back following the loss to Horsham Saints.
"We are keen to have a win, and in front of a huge crowd and on this special day, it would be awesome," Clarkson said.
"We had a bit of a rough week last week against the reigning premiers but we know the benchmark and what we need to strive to and we'll try and do that.
"We had plenty of positives and young Ayva Mitchell stepped up which is great so we just need to switch on when the ball is turned over and react quickly."
"We are excited about Saturday. The work that has gone into this weekend has been enormous and the committee has done a wonderful job and am thankful for their efforts."
Ashlee Morrish coaches a Dimboola team this year that made the preliminary final for the first time since the 1960's in 2023.
Morrish has been playing at the club for two years and takes over from co-coaches Nicole Polycarpou and Ant Toet.
The Roos have recruited Bridgette Dorringon, a defender and a midcourt player and goalie Maddie Marra, both coming over from Jeparit Rainbow Storm.
The only loss from last year's team is Holly Ross who moved over to play for Pimpinio.
Morrish is excited for the season.
"The numbers are looking exceptionally good. It gives us a lot to choose from and lots of versatility which can be both a blessing and a worry," Morrish said.
"Some new faces bring some pace and strength to the team, add depth and versatility to our squads and have been training well."
Nhill coach Tracey Bell said they just need to focus on playing their own game.
"The whole competition is going to be competitive and I think we have to approach every game as it is going to be that," Bell said.
"We have to make sure we get our strategy right and concentrate on what we need to do and not get sucked into what the opposition is trying to do."
At Anzac Park, a youthful Warrack Eagles squad takes on an Ararat side with both sides coming off a loss last week.
Eagles co-coach Leiah McKenzie said they just need to focus on consistency.
"It's just about keeping a consistent game over four quarters and focus on our game and not allowing small errors to make us drop off and keep a progressive game," McKenzie said.
"There were a lot of things to like about the game from our attack through to our defence. We just had a lot of small errors and couldn't keep that momentum going.
"The one percenters we will improve on and get better at as we gel as a team and work out what each other's strengths are."