The names on the scoresheet may have changed but the same fighting attitude remains – that’s the message from Melton after the first half of the Ballarat Netball League season.
Reigning premiers, the Bloods were touted as potential strugglers this season following the loss of star duo Melissa McCauley and Brooke Thompson.
But the club’s junior stars have proved they have no issues with taking on a challenge.
Led by new coach Brooke Gleeson, Melton is outside the top six on percentage and again in the hunt for a finals berth.
Melton netball co-ordinator Kate Williams is full of praise for the way her players have attacked the season.
“Losing Mel and Brooke was obviously big, but our junior girls have really stepped up and are playing amazing netball,” she said.
“So the team hasn’t lost any of its fight or speed of play.”
Carli Rickman is one of a host of players stepping up for the Bloods. The defender is leading Melton’s under-19 best and fairest award and has been a key contributor for the A-grade side.
She’s been well supported by Meg Gleeson and Madelyn Gray.
With the Victorian Netball League season over, the Bloods will welcome back Libby Birch and Grace Rogers.
Both played in Melton’s 2014 A-grade premiership side.
Williams believes there is no limit to what her team can achieve this year.
“If we can draw on the way we were playing and defending last year, then anything is possible,” Williams said.
