Tara Murray
Melton is hoping to take the next step in the Ballarat Netball League this season.
After a positive first season under Nichole Gleeson, the Bloods have added some more depth to all their sides.
Gleeson said they were excited to see how they stack up this season.
“It’s been really good,” she said. “Recruiting wise it has been fantastic.
“We’ve wanted to welcome new players to the club and it’s going all the way down the grades.
“Last season building relationships was more important and enjoying Saturday netball with like minded people.
“The girls were able to do that last year. We want to step up a bit and have very different intentions this year.”
For Gleeson it’s the first opportunity for her to put her stamp on the squad, with teams having already been selected when she was appointed last year.
In the A-grade squad there’s five new players joining the side.
They’ve added depth across the whole court which they’re hoping will add a few more wins to the tally.
Sarah Missen, who has been at the club for a while has been appointed captain, with one of the new recruits Holly Keating has been appointed vice-captain.
“Sarah has been here quite a few years and it was a no-brainer for her to step up and take on the role this year,” Gleeson said.
“Holly last year came on for a few games to get the feel of the Bloods. She saw what she liked and her sister Ally [Keating] has come down as well.
“They’ve fitted in with the rest of them.”
Gleeson said they found their attacking end to be their week spot last season and had looked to strengthen that.
She said with a stronger A-grade side they expected that to filter through the grades and hopefully result in better results across the board.
Having won four games and finishing in ninth spot last season, Gleeson wants to take that next step.
“We’ve got a couple of practice matches coming up and there will be rolling subs this year, so we’ll see where we need to improve.
“I’m pretty excited to be honest. I’ve only been there a year and the sides were formed before I got there.
“Anything will be better than last year and we want to step up and be in the finals category.”
The Bloods kick off their season against Melton South on April 13.
