HOW things can change in such a very short space of time.
Last August, Nangiloc were celebrating a long-awaited netball title after a thrilling 32-31 victory over Werrimull in the grand final.
It was their first crown in 36 years and the future was looking rosy. Particularly as the team came from third on the ladder and was in cherry-ripe form.
“We just peaked at the right time,” coach Ginine Sluiter said.
“In the last four rounds we really started to gel and we just went on from there. We had been up there before but hadn’t broken the drought and it was just a great feeling.”
Fast forward eight months and it’s a completely different story as Sluiter is the only remaining member of the side that brought netball glory back to the Demons.
For various reasons, the rest of the senior side departed and the coach is now stuck with a major rebuilding process while trying to keep hopes of another title flickering.
“It’s a completely new team – other than myself,” Sluiter said.
“I would say it’s going to be difficult, but I also think there are some huge opportunities for us to build and hopefully defend the title.
“I think we will be competitive this year. I am not sure where we will finish but we will get a good idea of where we are at as we progress through the season.”
She will be relying on a cadre of youngsters from the lower grades and some athletic newcomers with limited netball backgrounds to keep the flag flying.
“I like the way they are gelling and moving the ball,” Sluiter said.
“It’s going to be tough for us and it’s very challenging as a coach, but I am aware of the girls that are coming up and we are just going to have to push them to reach the standard that we need.”
