MERBEIN
COACH: Breigh Hammet
2023 SEASON: Sixth
FIRST MONTH: South Mildura (A), Mildura (H), Wentworth (A), Irymple (H)
ARRIVALS: Emma Martin, Tameika Sherlock
DEPARTURES: Zali McMonnies
MERBEIN will again be looking for its department of youth to help drive an A-grade netball post-season charge in this season’s new final-five format.
But the Magpies will have to do it without regular goal shooter Zali McMonnies, who will be taking this season off to focus on completing her nursing placements.
Coach Breigh Hammet said it would open up an opportunity for one of the club’s up-and-comers to deliver in offence as the team looks to improve on their sixth placing last year.
“With the new rolling subs rule, depending on our opponent each week, (Zali’s) position could be filled by Olivia Bowden, Darcey Chilton, Shelby Hooker or Gabby Marrone,” Hammet said.
“We still have a very young group. Even the new additions to the A and B squad are 19 years of age.
“In order to improve our play, we need to establish our structures and build on everyone understanding and owning their role for the team.
“Individual performances won’t win games. It has to be a united effort.”
Hammet said her team was bracing for a tough opening month.
“Our first three games consist of South Mildura, Wentworth and Mildura, three of the top four last season,” she said.
“The importance will be on the girls implementing the structures mentioned earlier and being able to enforce them in games against the stronger teams.”
As for the Magpies’ season goals, Hammet said: “Getting the young players to take the next step in their development.
“We finished one game out of the (top) four last season. We are aiming for a top five berth this season.”
