Geister pushing for finals

AFTER missing the A Grade netball finals by just half a game in 2023, Irymple coach Sherrie Geister is confident her side will be pushing to go one better.

The Swallows missed the top four by two points with South Mildura qualifying for the finals, despite Irymple making a late charge by winning three of their last four games.

Under the newly implemented final five system for 2024, the Swallows would have faced South in a elimination final, but Geister is focussing on an exciting new season ahead.

“We’re definitely pushing for finals this year,” she said.

“Ideally making that top three would be great but you also don’t really know where you stand in the competition until after round 9 when you’ve played everybody once.

“I’m looking forward to the new season.”

After having a very young squad at her disposal last year, Geister said it will be a more experienced line-up taking to the court this year.

A number of fresh faces will be in action wearing the blue and gold, including former Mildura Heat basketballers Vanessa Power and Bronte Pezzaniti.

“Pre-season has just gone into more squad training now which is great, everyone’s starting to build that excitement,” Geister said.

“There’s a lot of new faces, definitely a different looking squad to last year which is kind of exciting.

“As a coach it’s good for something different, to have new players to work with but there’s also a few more older heads involved this year so the playing group won’t be quite as young as last year.”

Irymple face Robinvale Euston in their opening clash of the year on Saturday, April 13.