by Emma Ballingall
A raft of new coaches will be chasing down reigning A grade premiers Nilma Darnum in the Ellinbank and District Football Netball League this season.
Amazingly, only two coaches remain from last season.
With the intriguing addition of Bunyip, there will be no byes and more games for the league's top netballers.
The top contenders report similar line-ups to last year, opting to use club talent rather than sign new names.
Buln Buln, who returned to finals last year, are the exception after losing some big names in the off-season.
Several clubs took noticeable steps forward last year, with Yarragon just finishing out of finals and Poowong causing some upsets. Can these young teams continue to develop?
The league has applauded Nyora entering an A grade side after a year off to focus on rebuilding and junior development.
2024: premiers
A grade coach: Rachael Chandler
Ins: Ondine Olsson (elevated)
Outs: Caitlyn Frecklington (B grade playing coach)
Player to watch: After two stellar seasons in B grade, Ondine Olsson has earnt an opportunity to step up and make a mark in A grade. The 2023 league best and fairest and 2024 league runner-up, "Onnie" will strengthen the Bombers' defence end.
Rising star: The club is excited to see what Mia Tweddle can achieve as development player. Building on experience gained from stepping onto court and being part of the A grade premiership team, Mia is keen to rise to the occasion with more court time in 2025.
Coach Rachael Chandler, who has led the Bombers for the past three seasons, has retained all players from last year's premiership side.
After breaking through for the club's first A grade flag since 1986, the obvious aim is going back-to-back.
"Retaining all players was easy when the taste of success is so sweet," Rachael added.
Goal shooter Hayley Purcell, who is vital for her side, said the premiership was the result of three years of hard work and genuine connections within the playing group.
There are some questions over last year's league best and fairest Stacey Lawry. However, Hayley indicated Stacey's ankle injury was recovering well and expected her to take the court to again lead their defence.
Asked who she believed would play off in the 2025 grand final, the tall goaling target declared "I don't know, but we'll be there."

2024: runner-up
A grade coach: Christie Urie
Ins: Ava McGarrity and Ash Barneveld (both elevated)
Outs: Tarli Hillberg and Emma Wood
Players to watch: Although three sisters has been reduced to two, the Hillberg sisters of Christie Urie and Kimberley Edwards remain key to the Cats' push for a third premiership in four years. Christie has a trophy cabinet overflowing with league best and fairest awards and her ability to read the play and intercept is unmatched. Kimberley is a tall target in goals and is so clever in her positioning to get shots close to the post. Her misses are few and rebounding superb.
Rising stars: The Cats have been developing juniors whilst achieving A grade success in recent years. In particular, look out for Rhianna, Maddy, Keelie and Skye from the under 15 and 17 teams who will work alongside the senior squad this season.
Back for her fourth season as coach, Christie Urie and her side will be keen for redemption after falling just shy of a three-peat at the final hurdle in September.
Reporting a strong pre-season, Christie wants to keep building the foundations and connections set in previous years, with a focus on junior development, fun and success.
After a few pregnancy announcements at the club, vice president Meg Ferguson noted "two sisters are better than one."
2024: 3rd
A grade coach: Ellie Farmer and Abbey Sneddon
Ins: Nil
Outs: Cassie Wass (Churchill)
Player to watch: Former coach Danielle Davis is key to the Bloods' success. A versatile player, Danielle steps up in the big games and took out the club's best and fairest award last season.
Rising star: With a great pre-season under her belt, look out for Imogen Smith. The midcourter cemented her spot last season and is poised for a breakout season.
The A grade side is being coached by young duo Ellie Farmer and Abbey Sneddon who started at Trafalgar as juniors. Despite their age, both are highly decorated players and coaches who show knowledge and passion beyond their years.
They have three club premierships each, with Ellie also a league best and fairest winner.
The duo has focused on fitness in the pre-season utilising the club's young guns with speed and structure. The Bloods mixed it with the top sides and are not to be underestimated.
2024: 4th
Coach: Jasmine Ferguson
Ins: Abbey Cook and Georgia Durrand (both elevated)
Outs: Courtney Stevens-Risol (Churchill) and Emma Robertson (B grade)
Players to watch: Elevated into A grade after many years starring in B grade, Abbey Cook is a strong defensive player. Her strength is reading the play. Also look out for Alana Rippon to have a big season. A workhorse through centre, Alana is unassuming but always gets the job done.
Rising star: Tall goaler Chloe Johnstone now has two years of A grade experience under her belt but is just 17-years-old. Chloe plays like a well established senior player but still has plenty of growth ahead.
AFLW player and VNL player Jasmine Ferguson will coach A grade for the first time. However, she is no stranger to the club, having won six premierships and played 215 games with the Eagles.
She is aiming for the Eagles to play consistent netball, establish new combinations and return to finals.
The Eagles have been at or near the top for many years and were disappointed to drop out in the semis last season. They will bring renewed grit and determination this year.
2024: 5th
A grade coach: Laine Monahan
Ins: Lucy Monahan, Brydie Cunningham and Tilly Cunningham
Outs: Tahlia Peterson and Akayla Peterson (Longwarry), Patty McInnes and Anna Robertson (Yinnar), Erin Smethurst (year off), Maddy Mullen (Langwarrin)
Players to watch: Bolstering many new recruits, the talented, skilful and extremely fit trio of Paige Baker, Maggie Nooy and Andee Nooy will provide headaches for opposition in the midcourt. They will combine well with Taylah Thomas in the goal ring and Paris Wright's skill and versatility all over the court.
Rising star: Amongst the talented juniors coming through, watch out for Beth Axford. This young and versatile junior is tipped to get court time in the senior grades.
Having played 350 games for the Lyrebirds, Laine Monahan (Eastwell) is back to lead the new-look A grade side.
Off the back of a breakthrough season, the side has faced a massive turnover of players. However, Laine reports the squad has worked extremely hard during the pre-season. She is aiming for individual player growth, team success and positive club culture.
Of the recruits, Lucy brings a wealth of experience and great leadership; Brydie exceptional goaling experience and a strong midcourt presence; and, Tilly - stepping up to seniors for the first time - offers great defensive skills and pressure.
2024: 6th
A grade coach: Tony Marcucci
Ins: Liv Armstrong and Aude Grigglestone (both elevated)
Outs: Nil
Player to watch: Back for her second season, Tarryn Munro will be key for the Panthers in the midcourt. Expect Karina Marcucci, after taking out the club's best and fairest last season, to continue leading this side from the defensive end.
Rising star: Under 17s player Aude Grigglestone is ready to step up after a successful stint at the senior level last season, winning the club's C grade best and fairest award. Courtney McWhinney is another highly skilled junior ready to shine for the Panthers, having recently been a key member of the Gippsland team who won the State Titles.
From only three wins in 2023, Yarragon showed huge improvement to just miss out on a top five finish. They gained confidence from a win over Trafalgar and pushed Nilma in a five-goal loss.
Having maintained their list, added talented juniors and recruited coach Tony Marcucci, they are in good stead to push further.
Tony brings extensive coaching experience, having guided basketball teams at the elite level, including the recent Gippsland CBL women's premiers Warragul Warriors.
He will be aiming for player development and improving club culture, with finals firmly in his sight.
"We've got plans to bring our juniors through and keep our home-grown talent," said president Renee Kemp.