SOUTH MILDURA
COACH: Tara Bate
2023 SEASON: Elimination final.
FIRST MONTH: Merbein (H), Ouyen United (A), Bye, Mildura (H)
ARRIVALS: Amy Lutze, Georgia Chase, Paige Brougham, Madison Jess, Eliza O’Sullivan and Alyce Ross
DEPARTURES: Morna Naquto, Sharne Lane
SOME returning and fresh faces will help drive South Mildura’s A-grade finals quest in 2024.
Tara Bate takes over as coach from Sally Moore as the club welcomes back quality players Georgia Chase and Amy Lutze.
New recruits Madison Jess (Balranald), Eliza O’Sullivan (Golden Square) and Alyce Ross (Tasmania) bring depth to a squad that will be without young gun Morna Naquto, who is out for the year with an ACL injury, and Sharne Lane (retirement).
The Bulldogs played well last year to seal the final playoffs spot with an 8-6-2 win-loss-draw record, and hopes are high for a return to the post-season.
“Every team’s aim is to be in the running for finals,” Bate said.
“Over the pre-season we have worked hard on fitness and being able to play out four full quarters.
“A new season always brings new combinations to the court. Success will come through good communication on the court and players doing their role for the team and the combinations that work best together.”
The Bulldogs will have a good early test of their credentials when they tackle fellow finals aspirants Merbein, Ouyen United and Mildura in the opening month.
Asked about the importance of a strong start to the season, Bate said: “It is A-grade netball and each week is about striving to be the team on top at the final siren.
“Our focus will be on our own play and team morale, on and off the court.
“We will look to have the combinations that work best out on the court to be successful.”
