THE powerhouse looking to bounce back and a developing side on the up are set to meet when Wentworth and Red Cliffs collide in their opening clash in SFNL A Grade netball.
The Roos are hungrier than ever after their five-year unbeaten run was scuppered by Ouyen United in last year’s grand final, while the Tigers are looking to leave their mark on the competition with an improved finish.
Wentworth playing coach Amanda Edwards said her side have put last year’s result behind them and put together a strong pre-season.
“The intensity has been right up and the work ethic has been there across the pre-season and now moving into the regular training sessions,” she said.
“The girls are always eager to learn which is always a great sign when you’re a coach.”
“Time will probably tell as we keep moving on, we’re always striving to keep learning and improving.
“No doubt there will be some nerves at the start of the new season but a lot of excitement as well.”
Georgia Chase and Eli Fonua have joined the club while young guns Lola McInerney and Issy McPhee have moved up from the 17-and-under grade.
With a squad containing Edwards, 2024 Jackie Horkings Medal runner-up Ashlee Cameron, Courtney Wakefield, Christie Becker, Natalie Vercher, Molly Mangan and Liz Rowe, the Roos remain a formidable outfit.
In Romany Bowen’s second season at the helm of Red Cliffs, her side are looking forge ahead in the netballing ranks.
A new-look A Grade side is set to wear yellow and black this season, which includes the additions for former VFLW footballer Brooke Hards, sisters Morna and Francies Naquto making the shift from South Mildura, and 2023 best and fairest winner Jacqulyn Bell returning from a year overseas.
They will feature alongside captain Jazmin Parker, Jorja Parker, Yelena Richardson and Zoe Copley among others from last year’s squad.
“I’m really happy with how we’ve been progressing over the past month or so,” Bowen said.
“We’re going to evolve each week and we want to have this round now to get a real sense of how we’re tracking.
“It’s a brand new team and I think the penny is dropping for some of the players now and it’s hopefully a good sign not only for this year, but hopefully if we can keep the squad together, for next year as well.”
Wentworth and Red Cliffs collide at George Gordon Oval from 2.30pm.
