IMPERIALS
COACH: Ali Walker
2023 SEASON: Seventh
FIRST MONTH: Robinvale Euston (H), Mildura (A), Wentworth (H), Irymple (A)
KEY DEPARTURE: Meg McManus
THE Green Machine has suffered a big loss for their 2024 campaign with last year’s A-grade best-and-fairest, Meg McManus, away in London.
New coach Ali Walker said the absence of McManus, who is expected to return next year, would leave a big hole in the team’s defence.
However, she said it would open the door for younger players to step up.
Walker, who hasn’t been involved in the SFNL for nearly a decade, is focused on building a strong team culture that “reflects good sportsmanship and produces competitive sides”.
“The first few months will simply be looking at ensuring we have the right players in the right teams,” she said.
“At this stage, it’s all about the balance across our four senior sides, making sure every team has goalers, midcourt and defence.
“I’m excited to get into some actual games and see what players can really do. I’m pretty confident there are some people who really rise to the occasion on game day but we might not have seen that through the pre-season.”
Asked about the team’s season goals, Walker said: “I know the question is about the A-grade side but I take a whole club approach and the main goal is to put forward four competitive senior sides.
“If we can get one senior team into the finals then I’d be happy. I really just want to see my teams show good sportsmanship to each other and their competitors on and off the court.
“I’m also keen to get our juniors on the senior court when the opportunities arise. Like the seniors, the Under 17 girls have been really dedicated during pre-season and they have demonstrated their ability to play during our senior practice matches.”
