RED Cliffs are looking to usher in a new era on the netball court, and spirits are high for the new campaign.
With coach Romany Bowen entering her second season in the dugout and a number of recruits joining, the Tigers are aiming to take steps further up the ladder.
A new-look A grade side is set to wear yellow and black this season, which includes the additions of 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.
The main loss from last season’s starting seven was impressive teenage defender Alice Leeder who has joined Irymple.
“The girls are competing now, it’s not just about making up the numbers because we have those now, it’s about putting in the effort and being rewarded,” Bowen said.
“It’s about time netball shone on its own and it’s not just a part of the club, but hopefully earn some success.
“The girls are really clicking to the point you wouldn’t know it’s a new-look team.
‘That comes from a lot of outside work too, bonding together and building that camaraderie off the court. It’s been quite seamless.”Across our four teams this year, we have that depth so we can play people probably where they should be rather than having to force them up a grade.
‘I think all four senior teams are going to benefit from that.”
Games against finalists of last year Wentworth, Mildura and Ouyen United will provide a strong early season test.
