McNamara set for season

REIGNING Jackie Horkings Medal winner Jess McNamara is excited to see what her Mildura side can produce in 2023.

The Demons surged to a top two finish in last season’s Sunraysia Football and Netball League A Grade netball campaign, but were eliminated from the finals in straight sets by eventual grand finalists Wentworth and Ouyen United.

Despite the way the season finished, league best and fairest McNamara said the signs were encouraging for the new season under coach Sharon Watson.

“The way it ended was quite disappointing but when we took a step back from it, and looked at everything from a club perspective, and particularly A Grade across the season, I couldn’t be prouder of how we performed,” she said.

“As a team we came together really well, we had lot of younger players who probably exceeded expectations and I can only image where they can get to again this year.

“As a club, from both a netball and football perspective, it’s a really exciting year and we can’t wait to see what happens.”

The Demons are back in post-Christmas pre-season training and McNamara, who doubles as Watson’s assistant coach, said the number of players already back in action has been outstanding.

“Across all grades there were plenty of players joining in training last year, we were actually astonished with many numbers there were,” she said.

“We did some work last year to get the jelly legs in and some fitness and it was a big turnout. We’re also still welcoming any new players who are keen to try out.

“No one is in set positions and there’s definitely room for movement. You never know who might put up their hand and make a case for themselves so no one should feel safe in their position. We want everyone working hard pushing each other.”

Mildura faces Irymple and Merbein in their opening two contests of the 2023 SFNL season before having a bye in round three.