Tara Murray
The Western Rams are building on this year’s momentum ahead of next year’s Riddell District Netball League season.
The Rams, which were formerly known as Rockbank, put together a strong line-up for this year’s season but didn’t get on the court with the season cancelled due to COVID-19.
A number of players who returned to the club for this year have signed on for next year.
Star shooter Rebecca Hicks headlines those returning, along with Marie Bolitho, Olivia Burrow and Danni Jane Umaki .
All are set to play a key role in the Rams A-grade side.
Rams coach Nathan Selvidge said they were happy with how things were looking ahead of next year.
“A lot of girls from the year before have recommitted and we’ve got confirmation that the girls who were supposed to come back and play this season are returning.
“It’s looking like a really strong team. Getting Becca back is a step in the right direction.
“She’ll make a huge improvement in the shooting end and the girls from the season before will slide in around her.
“Getting the top level girls back like Becca and Deej will improve the depth, so we not just have a strong A-grade side, but B and C grade sides.”
Selvidge said it was encouraging for the club that players wanted to come back.
The club’s netball program has traditionally struggled, having made A-grade finals just once, in 2018 , when they made it to the preliminary final.
“It shows we’re doing the right thing,” Selvidge said.
“We’re trying to get a good vibe around the club.”
The Rams missed finals by one game in 2019, with Selvidge keen on returning to finals next year.
“We’re hoping this season to be in the top three teams,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
Selvidge said they were happy with the side, but they were still open to more players joining the club.
He said if easing COVID-19 restrictions allow, they would like to start training in the next few weeks.
The club is also hoping to get junior netball teams up and running for the first time, to help create a pathway from the junior club through to the seniors.
They are looking for players in under-9s, 11s, 13s, 15s and 17s.
