GAV McGRATH previews the netball seasons ahead for Bacchus Marsh and Melton.
MELTON: Coach — Krista Woodroffe. Last season — eighth.
Amy Conroy comes across after a strong season for Lake Wendouree in the under-18s and will be expected to fulfil a midcourt role. Four local former players will also return to the fold, as the Bloods look to climb the rungs into finals.
Conroy will be a player to keep an eye on. Tall, athletic and a sound netball brain will ensure she is a driving force behind Melton’s season. Although it will be her first year out of the junior levels, she will be a vital cog of the Melton machine.
‘‘Across the board I’m feeling fairly confident that most of our teams will do better than last year,’’ Woodroffe said. ‘‘In terms of the Agrade, you’re always hoping you make finals and I think we are a very realistic chance of reaching finals.’’
BACCHUS MARSH: Coach — Frank Pawlowicz. Last season — fifth.
Shooter Cara Van Cini is coaching Beaufort; captain and goal defence Noni McClure has moved through work. Finding replacements there is a work in progress and they are hard shoes to fill.
Katie Williams and Olivia Phyland will again be pivotal, while Stacey Jeffrey returns from a wrist injury and will play goal attack and be a focal point for the Cobras. Jacinta Reid is likely to step up full time into the seniors from the under-18.5s.
‘‘We have lots of players, but it’s hard to replace players like Noni McClure,’’ Pawlowicz said.
‘‘Redan, East Point and Lake Wendouree will be strong again, and Darley, we hear, has recruited well.
‘‘We would expect to be top six and, if you make top six, anything can happen in finals.’’
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