By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals are banking on some young talent to help it shine in the Riddell District Netball League season.
After making the semi finals last season, the Centrals have a new coach and new look squad.
Remy Pirihi has taken over the A-grade coaching reins by himself after sharing the load with Randy Pereira the past couple of years.
Pirihi, who coaches one of the City West Falcons under-19s teams, said he was excited by the opportunity to take on the role.
“I really like it,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been a proper head coach.
“It’s been a fun journey and I’ve enjoyed it .
“I’ve been under [Falcons coach] Marg [Lind] and I’m taking her coaching and putting my own spin on it.
“I’m taking a club in the direction I want to take it.”
Pereira, the longtime Centrals coach, is still involved in coaching some of the lower grades.
Pirihi said that Pereira was still always there and good to bounce ideas off.
Centrals have a different looking line up this season with several new inclusions.
Pirihi said that each season they have to keep on building.
“We have a bunch of new players,” he said. “We’ve a new looking side and it’s exciting to see how it goes.
“It’s a fresh look. There’s a different vibe and a new faces mixed in with some old faces to steady the ship.
Pirihi said Imogen Sexton and Manon Muir, who both play for him at the Falcons, were two of the exciting youngsters in their side.
He said it was a good opportunity for them to test themselves against VNL championship players at a young age.
Centrals face Diggers Rest on the weekend. Both sides entered the game with no points.
Centrals had claimed a win in round two but had it stripped after a player points issue.
“We know that is unfortunate but now we have to bounce back,” Pirihi said.
“We’ll look to have a good hit out on the weekend. It’s always a tough match up with Diggers Rest.”
The two teams on Saturday couldn’t be separated as they drew 41-all.
Diggers Rest led by three goals at quarter time before Centrals controlled the middle two quarters to lead by seven goals at three quarter time.
The Burras came home strongly to seal the win.
Pirihi said the focus for the club this season was to get all sides in finals and would love to finish in the top three in the A-grade competition.
