Finals are on the agenda for the Riddell District Netball League open side in the Central Highlands RSL competition.
New coach Di McCormack says she’s confident the squad, which finished runner-up last season, will be in the finals mix in the six-week competition against other local netball leagues.
McCormack, who coaches Rupertswood in the RDNL, was a late appointment to the role after Melton Centrals goaler Renee Hulls had to pull out due to other netball commitments, including being named in the Australian 30-plus indoor netball team.
“I initially didn’t apply for the role as it clashed with my Victorian Netball League commitments,” McCormack said.
“When Renee pulled out, the league contacted me about it.
“I called the Saints [Southern Saints] and they were 100 per cent behind me taking on the role.
“I can miss training to take on this job and it’s something I wanted to do.
“I’ve spoken to a few players who I haven’t coached before and they’re happy to have me on board.”
Joining McCormack on the sidelines is Katie Clarke, who played in the RSL competition last year.
Clarke has been named assistant coach.
McCormack says a lot of the team’s players are from the clubs that finished on the top half of the RDNL ladder last season.
“We have an experienced goal end with Yasmin McGregor and Christine Harris, both from Riddell, while Wallan’s Kate Bishop will provide support in her first year in the team,” she said.
“In mid-court, we’re very fast. The league promoted Ailish [McCormack] into the senior side from the under-17s … it will help her develop.”
McCormack thinks defence is the side’s strongest asset.
“Emma Grant, Tess Lenaghan, Emma Wright and Jess Dominko are all really strong,” she said.
At Rupertswood, Dominko and Wright lead the signings for the 2015 season.
“Katie [Clarke] is having a baby but will
still coach the under-19 side,” McCormack said.
“We will have a whole new line-up with younger girls to continue developing.
“We also won’t have Stacey Northey, who is having an operation on her knee.
“We might get her back near the end of the season, but we have players who can cover for her.”
