For Bacchus Marsh’s A-grade netball side, making Ballarat Netball League finals this season would be a big bonus.
Firstly, under new coach Michael Saker, the side is looking to improve on last season, which netted just two wins and left it in 11th spot.
“Probably for this season, we’ll be looking at bringing through players from the junior ranks,” Saker said. “We want to see signs of improvement. We were relatively competitive last season, but couldn’t get over the line in games.
“We’re looking to improve in certain areas to finish off games. I want to improve in all grades.
“If we make finals, it’s a bonus.”
Saker is the third A-grade coach in as many years for the Cobras, replacing Dean Giarrusso, who moved interstate.
He isn’t new to the club though.
“I had come out for a couple of sessions with the club last year,” he said. “The previous coach asked me to come out and give a hand.
“I knew a few of the players who I had played netball with, and they kept nagging me to apply for the job.
“I bit the bullet.”
Saker brings with him an extensive coaching and playing netball background. He’s been involved in netball for 15 years, playing at both state and international levels.
He’s coached in the indoor state league competition and been involved in six national titles.
Though this will be his first season with a football/netball club, it’s a challenge he’s excited to take on.
On court, Saker said the Cobras are still finalising the playing squads.
He’ll coach the A and B grade teams, while former A-grade coach Frank Pawlowicz will coach the C and D grade sides. One of the A-grade players is coaching the under-19s.
“We had trials in November, but we still have to lock in a few positions in A-grade. We have got a few new recruits,” Saker said.
“Most of girls from Bs and Cs are still there. People still interested can come down.”
The Cobras start training this week, twice a week through to March.
