Having claimed the Riddell District Netball League premiership last season, Riddell will increase its focus on bringing local talent into the club this season.
As the most dominant team of the past two years, the Bombers are again in the mix with what looks like a strong line-up ahead of the season’s April 16 opening.
New A-grade coach Jarrad Walker says he’s happy with where his side is sitting and thrilled with the numbers at try-outs and training.
Walker also coaches Victorian Netball League side Wilson Storage Southern Saints in division 1.
“There’s been a lot of interest in the B, C, and under-19 grades and big numbers have shown up,” he said.
“Instead of getting people from outside, we wanted to look at what was around our area and try to get them to the club. It gives me a lot of heart to give opportunities to other girls to step up into A-grade.”
The A-grade side will be different from last year’s premiership line-up. Jess Kennedy, Danni Davidson and Mikeala Vaughan are among those not returning.
“Jess is in the AFL women’s academy … she wanted to focus on her football this year,” Walker said. “It’s exciting for her, but I’m disappointed. She will hopefully help out with a few games when football allows it.
“Danni and Mikeala decided, with their other netball commitments, not to play.”
Christine Harris and Lauren Close will again be the leaders on court.
“Ellen Close is stepping up from B-grade, while Meikah Johns, an under-19 player, will also play A-grade,” Walker added.
Joining them will be sharp shooter Bec Colwell, who’s crossing from Macedon, and defender Danielle Wilson.
“A lot of the junior players are excited to have Bec at the club,” Walker said. “For them to see a player of her ability playing for us … she’s someone they can look up to.
“Danielle has played plenty of country netball but never in the RDNL. She has played VNL.”
Walker, who was helping out last season, said there had been a lot of phone calls between him and outgoing coach Lauren Close on players and team selectio. Close will coach the C-grade side with Harris this time round.
Tanya Croft, Yasmin McGregor and Michelle Rix will coach the other sides.
