FOLLOWING a foundation year at the helm, Red Cliffs A Grade netball coach Romany Bowen hopes her side can take another step in their development next year.
Despite finishing on the bottom of the ladder with two wins, moving further up next year is firmly on the agenda.
The club has already locked in some key recruits with former South Mildura players Morna and Francies Naquto set to bolster the defensive unit, while former VFLW footballer Brooke Hards, who was a talented junior netballer, is set to return to Sunraysia.
Former captain and best-and-fairest winner Jacqulyn Bell is also set to return following a year overseas, with the majority of last year’s squad already recommitting.
“I’m really excited to be on board again,” Bowen said.
“We’re just looking to consolidate on this year. I know it doesn’t look it from the outside looking in, but there was a lot of ground work that had been laid that people wouldn’t have seen.
“We’ve worked really hard in the off-season and we’re looking to consolidate through our juniors and figure out how we look after them and what does the future look like.
“Red Cliffs did reasonably well in netball finals, but we do need more and it needs to come from our senior group, which hopefully gives them something to strive for.
“I believe in the girls and the club, we’re here for the long term and we’ve got stuff to do.”
While some other recruits and potential returns were yet to be announced, Bowen said she was excited to integrate the Naqutos and Hards into the A Grade set-up.
While recovering from an ACL tear, Morna Naquto has already established herself as an exciting young defender, earning a club best-and-fairest in 2022 and earning selection for the Fiji Pearls.
Francies also played an important role in South’s push to the A Grade finals last season.
A number of ex-players could also be set to make a return to Quandong Park.
“We’re excited to have Morna and Francies and their family on board,” Bowen said.
“We know the type of player that Morna is, but I’m also really excited to unravel what type of player Frances is and what position she fits, just finding her a spot within the team.
“That will be the same with Brooke Hards, finding what sort of player she is with her football background. We’re obviously looking for that physicality and speed.
“We’ve been keeping in touch with ‘Jaq’ (Bell), she isn’t quite back home yet but she’s doing the work, we’ve got a group set up and we’re all keeping each other accountable.”
“The girls are competing now, it’s not just about making up the numbers because we have those now, it’s about putting in the effort and being rewarded.”
Bowen was also keen to work with newly appointed B Grade coach Steven Bowden Jr, who is set bring a level of experience and coaching techniques that will assist in growth and success of the senior squad.
“Our mission is quite transparent with what we want for the whole club, but for the netball in particular,” she said.
“It’s about time it shone on its own and it’s not just a part of the club, but hopefully earn some success.”
