Tara Murray
Darley is hoping to be more competitive in the Ballarat Netball League this season.
Taking to the court with a brand new side for the first time last year, the Devils were hampered by player points restricting who could take to the court.
With the same core group returning, Devils coach Di McCormack said that things would likely be slightly easier.
“We have a settled team with not many changes from last year,” she said.
“Not having to worry about points as much, it gives a chance to breathe a bit. Last year we had to rest two or three players to get the team on the court.
“The players weren’t consistently on the court and it didn’t allow us to gel very well. There’s some very good units in this competition.”
Many of the Darley players have played together before at Rupertswood, but with COVID ruining the 2020 season it was about getting those connections.
The likes of Prue Stanley, Ailish McCormack, Shannon Blackman, Matilda Elliot, Tarni Lopes and Grace Markovic are all returning this year.
The goaling combination of Keely Boudrie and Monique Nagle will be better after a year together.
McCormack said Nagle had put in a lot of work throughout the pre-season.
The Devils defence has suffered a couple of losses with Clare Johnson not returning and Niamh Vahland to miss the season through injury.
In the lower grades, McCormack said there were some really good young players who would get opportunities.
The B-grade, C-grade and under-19s teams were all set to play finals last year before the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.
McCormack said the under-19 had remained the same, with most of those girls also going to play B-grade as well.
Renee Hulls, who has played with Melton and the Sunbury Lions, will coach a couple of the lower grades.
McCormack said they were still looking for players for the lower grades.
Overall, McCormack said while they know it’s going to take three or four years for what they’re planning to be in place, they’re aiming for finals this year.
“We’re not looking at recruiting,” she said. “To get all the girls working together.
“The team that might be there in two years time is the young kids that are coming through and developing.
“The aim is to play finals and win more games than we lose and improve on last year.”
