Redemption on offer for A Graders

BACK-to-back titles were there for the taking for Werrimull last A Grade season.

The Magpies finished with a 12-2 record after the minor rounds and comfortably accounted for nearest foes Bambill in the qualifying final.

Then, in the ultimate game, against somewhat surprise grand finalists Nangiloc, the Pies took a handful of goals advantage into the final stanza before it all went horribly wrong.

The Demons found another gear while Werrrimull stalled and ultimately lost by a solitary goal, 32-31.

“I was there. I did watch it,” new coach Jolene Neyland said of the heartbreaking defeat, still at a loss to totally explain what happened in those final minutes of the biggest game of the season.

“I think a little bit of complacency may have set in last year.

“I am definitely not that kind of person. I will not allow that. I think them losing by one goal last year will bring plenty of drive going into this year.

“I don’t want to see them getting ahead of themselves. They have been training really hard in the off-season and hopefully it will show when we hit the court for real.”

Neyland said the game plan will remain similar to last season’s, which did get them to the big dance.

“We’ve made a few little tweaks; some game plan changes but nothing too different from last year. A few things at the defensive end,” she said.

“We’ve lost our goal shooter this year, so we probably need a bit more of a moving circle.

“I am excited for the year. Firstly, you’ve got to enjoy it. If the players don’t enjoy it you are not going to go too far.

“And with the new structures I have introduced, I just want to see them get out there and how they go.

“I think we will definitely make the top four,” the coach massively understated.

TEAM INFO

COACH: Jolene Neyland

2024 SEASON: Runners-up

FIRST MONTH: Meringur (H), Cardross (A), Bambill (H), Gol Gol (H)

ARRIVALS: Caitlyn Healy (Irymple), Nat Koch (SA), Casey Dillon

DEPARTURES: Aislina Briege, Tara Martin