Walker aims for finals

AFTER conquering the almighty Wentworth in last year’s grand final, Ouyen United start this A Grade netball season as the hunted.

The Kangas begin their premiership defence against Imperials at Brian Weightman Oval, with the home looking to jump up the ladder.

Kyra Nathan’s premiership squad from last year will be missing grand final best on court Maggie Smith and defensive general Casey Crothers, however the Kangas will be able to call on the services of former Adelaide Thunderbirds shooter Melissa Dyda (Rowland) throughout the season.

Seasoned stars in Nathan, Catherine Brown, Tsharni Burns, Esther Manley and Megan Jardine all form a strong unit which is expected to be up around the mark again.

“There are a few opportunities for players to step up and take on those positions, which is great,” Nathan said.

“There are players who played in B Grade and juniors last season who will want that opportunity.”

The Green Machine are buoyed by the return of sister Meg and Maddy McManus, the former being the club A Grade best and fairest in 2023 before spending last season in London.

Coach Ali Walker is backing her side to push for finals this season.

“My goal is reaching the finals,” she said.

“We haven’t named the team or had a good talk about that yet but if you can make finals anything can happen from there.”

“We had a practice game against Irymple last weekend and it looked pretty good. I feel like we were level on the day, and they were a finals team last year. It was good to have a run and get a bit of game play under our belt as it feels like a long time since we have been on the court.”

Further improvement from the likes of Maggie Monaghan, Laci McHugh, Ella Hards, Ebony Ietto and Laura Hayter among other could propel Imps forward.

Imperials and Ouyen United clash from midday at Brian Weightman Oval.