Our final installment of the SFNL A Grade netball report cards have been handed in, with MITCH RODD and the respective coaches looking over the 2021 campaigns of South Mildura, Robinvale Euston and Red Cliffs
SOUTH MILDURA
Ladder position: 7th
Record: 4-8
Club champion: Despite some injury issues during the year, Maddy Toms continued her ascension as a leader and star across the competition, making the Sunraysia interleague side in May. The versatile mid-court player is lauded for her work-rate.
Best newcomer: The A Grade squad in 2021 was all home-grown, with every player involved having come through from under-11s at Sarah Oval. Coach Loretta Thompson believed this would be encouraging for juniors coming through the ranks.
Young player on the rise: Brianna Scullino grew into her role as an up-and-coming player as the 2021 season went on and the former junior level gun has taken on many traits of her captain Toms.
The 19-year-old looms as a future star of the SFNL.
Best win: South’s 15-goal win over Merbein at Kenny Park in round 6 was a strong performance, led by Mikaela Saunders, while Sarah Telfer finished with 37 goals and Aimee Ryan 24.
Toughest loss: The final result may have hurt, but their one-goal loss to Imperials at Gol Gol in round 9 was one of their better all-round performances, with onlookers commenting post-game on how good a contest it was.
Coach’s assessment – Loretta Thompson:
“WE knew from the start of the season we were in a bit of a rebuilding phase, and we had some good games and some poor games.
“Injuries and illnesses hurt us, and as a young squad it was difficult to keep the momentum going with the stop-start nature of the season. We also had some close losses to Imperials and Irymple, so a few of those wins and our season would look a lot different.
“We’re really positive about some of the young talent that’s coming through, but maybe some players with a bit of experience might be handy.
“Demelza Henry retiring will leave a massive hole in the side, and I will be stepping away from coaching so it might be time for some fresh voices and for these girls in their mid-20s to really step up, which they are already doing.”
ROBINVALE EUSTON
Ladder position: 8th
Record: 2-9
Club champion: Defender Corinne Best has been a mainstay in A Grade side for a number of seasons, and her leadership skills were on display in a tough season for the Eagles.
Best newcomer: While she had previously had a taste of senior netball, Isabelle Giofrelle in mid-court became the glue that kept the team together this season. No matter the scoreline, she would be in the thick of the action.
Young player on the rise: Younger sister Georgia Giofrelle also earned her place as a shooter for the Eagles, with the 16-year-old growing in confidence each week as a shooter.
Best win: The Eagles’ six-goal round-12 victory over South Mildura at John James Oval would have been a great cause for celebration for the home fans. Georgia Giofrelle was best on court with 32 of Robinvale Euston’s 51 goals.
Toughest loss: There’s nothing like a thrilling game to start a new campaign, although being on the losing side stings. That’s what happened for the Eagles who lost to Merbein 43-42 at Kenny Park in round 1.
Coach’s assessment – Maria Absalom:
“We basically had a new-look team with a bit of a fresh start from previous years. I think it took a while for us to gel but they improved so much and worked really hard.
“It was also a new team for me to coach so I think it took a bit of time as well. I think we only had three players who had been regular A graders from previous seasons with everyone else coming up from juniors and other grades.
“It was always challenging to see them go up against the top teams but our players were very young and keen to push forward.
“We’ve already had a lot of interest from other girls coming in which is a good thing for the team. Everyone will have to work hard to hold their places.”
RED CLIFFS
Ladder position: 9th
Record: 0-11
Club champion: Even at 22, captain Hayley Nelson was one of the oldest players in the squad, and she led from the front with her workrate and enthusiasm in the centre of the court.
Best newcomer: Brianna Hibbard joined the side in round 6 and fit in well with the young brigade at goal attack, adding another young gun to the mix at Quandong Park.
Young player on the rise: Realistically, it’s probably the entire team, but shooter Jazmin Parker is one, in particular, who looks to have a bright future. Very accurate under the ring and finishing with 214 goals.
Best win: Unfortunately, there were no victories for the Tigers, who have not tasted A Grade success since 2014. Arguably their most impressive performance was pushing a strong Imperials line-up all the way in round 3.
Toughest loss: It’s always tough coming up against a side as good as Wentworth when you’re young and building, but a 53-goal loss in the opening round is not the ideal way to start a season.
Coach’s assessment – Chantal Allford:
“THE girls really improved towards the end of the season and and gave some of the bigger clubs a bit of a scare. We’ve got some young girls in this side and next year looks pretty exciting if they keep improving at this rate.
“They really started to gel well and their use of court space improved to the point they instinctively started working well together.
“I think if they can stick together and continue this improvement I’m sure that elusive win will come next year.
“I would like to think it might have happened this year if we’d had a full and consistent season.
“The biggest thing we’ve talked about is getting that court fitness up to be able to play across four quarters. I think pre-season for 2022 will be pretty important.”
