Melton was excited to get a full A-grade side on the court in the Ballarat Netball League.
The Bloods had struggled in the opening six rounds, with injury and unavailability leaving them unable to put a full-strength side on the court.
That changed on Saturday when the Bloods fronted reigning premiers North Ballarat City, which hasn’t lost a game since 2014.
Sadly, it wasn’t the result the Bloods wanted– they went down 60-35.
Going into the game, Bloods’ coach Renee Hulls couldn’t contain her excitement.
“It’s been a trying six weeks,” she said. “We’ve had a couple of injuries and unavailabilities due to weddings and sick kids.
“We’ve got games against a few of the top sides in the next few weeks, and we’re excited about what we can do with a full side.”
One of the main areas the Bloods have struggled with is their attack. Before Saturday, the new shooting combination of Hulls and Joanne Crozier had only played one game together.
“Jo played last Saturday, and it was the first time we played together,” Hulls said.
“We’ve had Kate play in goals and she can play both ends of the court, but ideally with her height, we need her in defence.
“Jo and I work well together and we’re a similar height. I have seen her play and it’s very similar to me, and she has the strength to play a holding goaler and let me run a bit more.”
In another bonus, 2014 premiership player Jaclyn Verbeek looks set to play several games this season.
“She enjoyed [last] Saturday and didn’t realise how much she missed playing. It’ll depend on work commitments, but hopefully she’ll play enough games to qualify for finals. Jackie and Kate will work well in defence together.”
While missing players early has made things hard, it has given the first-year coach a chance to see what some other players can do in the top grade.
“We’ve been able to bring up some B-grade and under-19 girls so see where they are at and what we need to work on,” Hulls said.
“We’ve had three under-19s either start or on the bench each week. All three have played senior and rep netball before, and keep developing.”
The Bloods sit eighth on the ladder, with two wins, one game and percentage outside the top six. Hulls says finals are still on the cards.
In other results, Bacchus Marsh lost to Lake Wendouree. Melton South and Darley both had the bye.
