MERBEIN
COACH: Johannah Gray
2024 SEASON: Sixth
FIRST MONTH: Robinvale Euston (H), Bye, Irymple (A), Ouyen United (A), South Mildura (H)
ARRIVALS: –
DEPARTURES: –
MERBEIN flirted with an A grade finals berth for a fair chunk of last season before falling to a 6-10 record and sixth on the table.
Coach Breigh Hammet departed – ultimately to Bambill in the Millewa league – and ace defender Johannah Gray has stepped up to fill the void and try to push for that coveted top five spot.
With the basic core of last year’s team intact, Gray expects a highly competitive 2025 campaign.
“I think this season will be interesting,” she said.
“Netball will be very competitive on all fronts and every club will be pushing to make the finals.
“I think it will come down to which teams get the momentum and find the right synergy within their side.
“At this stage, because of the draw we’ve been given – we are not in the opening round nor are we playing at Easter – training has been as a whole A/B squad.”
That group includes sisters Emily and Sophie, and fellow defender Sophie Kroen, with elite support from former Australian Diamond star Madi Browne who has assumed the role of mentor and specialist coach at the club.
“This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, so I’m grateful and approaching it with an open mindset being ready to take on the challenge,” Gray told Sunraysia Daily after her appointment earlier this year.
“I know plenty of people who shy away from coaching because of all the dynamics, but I’m doing my best not to focus on that.
“I hope my eight years with the club, alongside my family, provide some continuity, rather than feeling like a fresh start, and that it all comes together smoothly.
“Merbein has such a welcoming culture. Those who’ve joined us have really enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience of playing here. If we can get a few more wins under our belt, it’ll make for a fantastic season.”
