It might only be early in the Riddell District Netball League season but Rockbank is already showing signs of being the competition’s big improver.
After winning just one game last year and conceding 1133 goals, the Rams have overhauled their netball department, welcoming four new coaches.
With the change in structure has come a host of new faces.
Throughout last year, the Rams averaged 10 players at each training session.
Rockbank netball co-ordinator Rikki MacKinnon said that number had now grown to 30.
“We have had a lot of commitment at training sessions right throughout the pre-season,” MacKinnon said. “We have had a lot of new recruits which is great for the A-grade. We have a couple of good new players in there as well.
“It is mainly girls with a lot of indoor netball background. There is a little bit of converting them from indoor to outdoor. A couple of girls have crossed over from other clubs as well.”
The signs of improvement are already showing on the court.
Last year the Rams lost to Melton Centrals by 85 goals in round one of the season. This season, the margin was just 40.
Speaking after the clash, Melton Centrals coach Randy Pereira noted that he could already see big improvements in the Rams.
“The good news is that Rockbank have definitely improved, which is great for the competition,” he said.
The improved performances continued in round two with Rockbank ultra competitive against Wallan before going down by 15 goals.
Of the Rams’ new players, defender Carrie-Anne Lynch is looming as one to watch.
Lynch comes to the club from a basketball background and has already impressed with her athleticism throughout the first two matches.
She was also named in the Rams’ best players in round one.
“The main goal is just to see improvement across all the grades,” MacKinnon said.
“We want to be a lot more competitive when we play every club in the league.
“We don’t just want to be competitive against the lower group of clubs. We want to be competitive against Riddell and Centrals and those teams.”
