by Emma Ballingall
Two local sides seeking to rise up the ladder will do battle in round one of West Gippsland netball.
Warragul Industrials will host Garfield at Western Park on Saturday, with both clubs desperate to achieve an early win.
Knocking on the door of a grand final appearance, Nar Nar Goon will travel to Phillip Island to start their campaign. Cora Lynn is away to Tooradin-Dalmore in a game which may set the tone for the year to come.
2024: 12th
A grade coach: Jess Ayres
Ins: Kasey Gambetta (Bass), Maya McDonald and Kya Smith (both elevated from juniors), and Abby Brice and Abbey Commadeur (both elevated from B grade)
Outs: Hannah Finemore, Holly Cheyne and Steph Warburton (all Garfield), and Madeleine Kovarik (Buln Buln)
Player to watch: Kya Smith's quick reaction time and height is set to make her a pest in the defensive together. Kya, together with Maya McDonald, are both in the Gippsland Stars under 17s team and have effortlessly stepped into A grade roles.
Rising star: Alexis Tainton is making great strides in B grade. This sharp shooter is light on her feet and causes headaches for tall defenders.
Although losing four players, returning coach Jess Ayres said five come in and created a highly versatile team.
The re-build continues for A grade. But, with a mix of youth and experience, Dusties will be looking to climb up that ladder.
Hannah Finemore is a big loss, having served as Dusties' key goaler. The side will welcomes back Abbey Commadeur to fill that vacancy. She is most comfortable shooting from distance and reads the play beautifully.
Boosting the midcourt, Kasey Gambetta is described as a handy and relentless. Abby Brice is light on her toes and hard to catch in defence.
2024: 9th
A grade coach: Nat Sloan
Ins: Ella Crawford (Waverley), and Hannah Finemore, Holly Cheyne and Steph Warburton (all Warragul Industrials)
Outs: Nat Loogman (Bunyip)
Players to watch: Goaler Hannah Finemore has come across and already impressed with strong holds and accurate goaling. A standout on court, the club hopes to see further growth across the season.
Of those returning, Jemima Sheedy is set for a break-out season. An underdog who gets in and gets the job done, Jemima now has a year of A grade under her belt. Expect her to take the next step and elevate her skills and confidence to a whole new level.
Rising star: Goaler Myla Sheehan is creating excitement. Currently in the under 17s, Myla is expected to step up and take to the court in B grade this season. An exceptional goaler, she regularly supersedes expectations with her strength and confidence.
Nat Sloan said other returning players are midcourter Chloe Bluhm, goaler Rebecca Van Rossen in goals and midcourter/defender Tanita Bow as well as herself in defence.
The new coach wants to make finals, improve and build netball skills and knowledge, and, continue to expand club and team unity on and off the court.