Fresh start for Imps

COACH: Kim Mayne

ARRIVALS: Maddison Mayne, Tracey Sherlock, Prue Maloney, Eden Heinrich,

DEPARTURES: Sophie Kroehn, Bridgett Bennet, Alle Littore, Ebony Littore, Taylor Edwards

IMPERIALS are entering the season with almost a whole new side, but returning coach Kym Mayne expects the team will still be a strong force on the court.

Imps finished fifth at the end of the home and away round last year, just short of the top four.

The team had six wins and nine losses from the season.

This year, the team has lost the majority of last year’s A Grade side, with only about three players remaining.

Missing this year will be defender Sophie Kroehn, who has switched to Merbein, WD Bridget Bennet, who has gone overseas, as well as key sister duo Alle and Ebony Littore.

Alle is not playing netball this year and Ebony is moving to Melbourne.

Taylor Edwards is another key out for the side, as she moves to Queensland.

Key players Kia Scott and Meg McManus still remain on the team and will be joined by previous player Maddison Mayne, who is making her return to the club after a few years off.

Tracey Sherlock, Prue Maloney and Eden Heinrich are also joining the team.

Mayne, who has over 30 years experience as coach, has returned to the club after a year off and said the team would be sticking to basics and learning to “trust the processes”.

“We just need to get some continuity back into our play and to trust each other and use the ball from one end to another,” she said.

Mayne said the girls had been working on improving their fitness ahead of the first round, getting ready to face some tough teams on the court.

“The girls have been working hard,” she said.

Mayne said players had also been working on their fitness outside of training, dedicating their own time to improving their ability on the court.

Imperials face Red Cliffs in Round 1 at Quandong Park.