NANGILOC and Cardross players will be put to the test this weekend, as both teams plan to trial their versatile women in a range of positions.
Round 1 of the Millewa Netball season kicked off Friday night with a match between Gol Gol and Bambill under lights.
On Saturday, Werrimull will take on Meringur at Lake Cullulleraine, while Nangiloc host Cardross.
Nangiloc co-coach Tamara Loveridge said her team was excited to get back on the court and measure where they stood against other clubs.
“Most of our team is quite new,” she said. “There are a couple of fill-ins and three players that haven’t played for a long time, so they are pretty keen to just get back on the court and see whether they can meet the expectations of last year’s runners-up team.
“Coming off the back of two successful seasons … Nangiloc have definitely got big shoes to fill this year with only three returning players.”
Loveridge said Nangiloc had about four versatile players that would be available to play in a range of positions.
She said her girls could expect to be placed anywhere on the court.
“I am expecting them all to be excited to trial somewhere different,” she said.
“I think everyone is going to play a key part.”
A few B Graders will be benching for Nangiloc, likely to be needed on the court and eager to prove themselves as A Grade-worthy.
Cardross co-coach Darcie Gray said the girls felt confident heading into the weekend.
“We have been training hard and working well as a team together,” she said.
“It’s great to have some older team members working well together, as well as some fresh faces with a variety of age and skill. I feel that we are going to work pretty hard.”
Co-coach Ebony Greenhill said the team weren’t sure what to expect from Nangiloc this season.
“We had heard a few had left (Nangiloc), but I do know their defence is still strong, so we have to have some strong shooters in there,” she said.
“It’ll be interesting to see how we pair up against them.”
With Greenhill out this weekend, fellow A Grader Montanna Ezzey will step into her shooting position, with B Grader Amy Johnson joining the team on the bench.
Gray said they were expecting great performances from quite a few key players, including experienced shooter and mid-court player Mel Kennedy, ex-Robinvale Euston defender Corrine Best, and new wing defence Pippa Gray from Merbein.
“I feel in defence and attack we have a range of good players that are all going to connect,” she said.
Loveridge said it was going to be a tough battle for Nangiloc’s goal attack and shooter, with Best on the court for Cardross.
“I am excited to see our shooter (Gabby James) come up against her, (Best) is new to Cardross and I think that will be a great matchup,” she said.
“(James) is not our usual shooter … she is one of our versatile players.”
Gray said she hoped this weekend would be the start of a great season for Cardross, with hopefully no injuries.
“We are just really excited and looking forward to seeing how everyone matches up against us this season,” she said.
Loveridge said she was looking forward to playing alongside some new players, in particular her sister and her two lifelong friends.
“Nangiloc has always been a real family team and this year it is showing to be even more of that as well,” she said.
