OUYEN UNITED
COACH: Kyra Nathan
2024 SEASON: Premiers
FIRST MONTH: Imperials (A), Wentworth (H), Bye, Red Cliffs (A)
ARRIVALS: Melissa Dyda.
DEPARTURES: Maggie Smith, Casey Crothers, Esther Mole.
IT was only a few short months ago that the Ouyen United Kangas pulled off a remarkable upset win over a dominant Wentworth side to clinch the 2024 SFNL A Grade title in one of the more memorable games of netball in recent SFNL history.
“It feels like the season has come around really quickly,” Kangas mastermind Kyra Nathan said. “The Grand Final was such a great game for us.”
There will be a slightly different look to the Kangas this season.
“We have lost a few players from our grand final team,” Nathan said.
“Maggie Smith has gone back to Ballarat, which is great for her netball. Casey Crothers has retired, which is unfortunate for us because she finished last season in such strong form, and we have a few who were in our squad who are pregnant this season.”
With those tall, goal ring players out, Ouyen will be looking for players to step into the sizeable void.
“There are a few opportunities for players to step up and take on those positions, which is great. There are players who played in B Grade and juniors last season who will want that opportunity.”
The Kangas will utilise the skills of former Adelaide Thunderbirds shooter Melissa Dyda (Rowland) throughout the season.
“We will look to her to replace the role Maggie played,” Nathan said.
“She is a similar height to Maggie with lots of experience so we are really excited and looking forward to seeing her on the court and learning from playing with her.”
Despite having the title of reigning premiers, Nathan believes Wentworth will still be the team to beat.
“They have kept a similar if not the same squad from last season, which is great for them,” she said. “They’re still the powerhouse of the competition. The take their netball very professionally. We were well prepared for the Grand Final and executed our plays, but they are still the benchmark.”
