Tara Murray
Melton South is starting to come together in the Ballarat Netball League.
The Panthers have three wins from their first four matches with a new line up and a number of exciting players out on the court.
For coach Anna Edmonds she said they were learning as they go along.
“It has been amazing three wins and one loss against Sunbury which is a strong side and on top of the table,” she said.
“Melton was a good hit out in the first round. They are a rival club and it was good to see everyone out there on court.
“We then played Redan which was good. There were things to work on and for some of the girls it was the first time playing against a Ballarat team and seeing the different style of play.
“We’re building those connections. We’re a newly formed team and we’re working out our strengths and weaknesses.”
“Against East Point we had to fight and players were able to shine.”
Edmonds said she was excited about the squad that she had managed to put together, a mixture of both new and old players.
Alyssa Dreaneen is a real pocket rocket in the mid court with Edmonds saying that she just takes a hit and gets back up.
Narena Baker has come back from injury and has started well as Kiara Boyd has been an awesome defender.
In attack, Tahnysha Salanoa has returned to the club from a few years away.
“It’s awesome to have her back,” Edmonds said. “To have her back and have her experience in netball and leadership in attack.
“We’re still working out things like connections and the types of passes that she likes. She’s working with Akira McCormack, who is a real workhouse in attack.”
Edmonds said McCormack was benefiting from playing in the Victorian Netball League championship division with the Western Warriors alongside Kim Borger and Julia Woolley.
Edmonds said they will likely use the rolling sub a bit more as they look to form those combinations.
Now with a strong start under their belt, the Panthers and Edmonds are keen to build on throughout the season
“We have had a strong start to the season, especially some wins against a couple of Ballarat sides,” she said.
“We’ve got the team to make finals and we want to push for finals and see how it goes. We don’t know what is going to happen with other clubs and anything can happen.
“We want to be there come August and September.”
Edmonds said they had a really strong squad across all their grades.
The Panthers had a bye on the weekend.
Edmonds said it was nice to have a week off before facing Bacchus Marsh this week
In results on Saturday, Melton got its first win of the season, beating Ballarat 44-40, while Darley snuck home against Redan, 39-36.
Bacchus Marsh suffered a 61-21 loss to Sebastopol.
