It was a completely new Melton South A-grade team that took to the court on Saturday in the opening round of the Ballarat Netball League.
Changes were aplenty in the off season, with a new coach and group of new players coming together.
New coach Alan Watson said not one member of last year’s team would be part of the line-up this year.
Watson, who was named AFL Goldfields netball coach of the year, comes to the club having taken Lancefield to a Riddell District Netball League grand final last season.
He said this squad would be a mixture of experience and youth.
Tahnysha Salanoa, Courtney Annett, Taylah Watson, Olivia Pels and Rhys Carter-Coleman Tukapua have come across from Lancefield with Watson, adding some experience to the side.
“We’re starting fresh,” he said.
“There’s a lot of young kids there at the moment who are very skillful and I’m going to promote the youth along with the five girls from Lancefield.
“Our problem will be trying to get as many people together at the same time.”
Watson said he had been encouraged by the younger talent at the club, with many pushing up into the top side.
Arleah Hunt is a centre court player who Watson said is quite talented, while Tyler Talavou is the side’s wing defence.
Grace Valele, who made the under-15 state team, will play goal defence and Maria Tahi will give another shooting option.
Watson said their squad would have a lot of flexibility with a number of options in each position.
The Panthers started their season on Saturday against local rivals Melton.
Despite missing Pels and Salanoa, the Panthers won 46-33. Salanoa was representing Victoria at the under-19 national championships.
Annett shot 30 goals for the Panthers, while Paige Gilcrist scored 22 goals for the Bloods.
Watson said while finals was the aim for the A-grade side, which has struggled in recent years, the first focus was improving the culture and he had been pleased with early signs.
“Things are looking quite promising. I think we’ll cause a few issues for the opposition.”
Numbers across the board have been good for the Panthers, with the club to field a side in the new E-grade competition.
Seven clubs have sides in the new competition. Watson said this side was an opportunity for players who can’t train regularly to still be able to play.
In other A-grade results, Bacchus Marsh claimed the win against Darley.
The Cobras led at every break on the way to the 40-32 win.
