BALRANALD
PROFILE
AFTER exiting last year’s competition earlier than they wanted, Balranald are looking to reignite the same fire that saw them win a premiership two season ago.
Elli-Jane Pollard will join Jess Parry to co-coach the Roos’ A Grade squad this year.
Although this is her first time in the top spot, Pollard is looking forward to taking on the challenge alongside Parry, who coached the Roos to victory in 2022.
Their premiership defence came to an abrupt end, two weeks shorter than they would have liked, in the elimination final last season, when the Mallee Eagles beat the reigning premiers by seven goals.
Pollard said that although they were disappointed not to have gone the distance and secure another premiership, they are heading into the new season focusing on the positives rather than the negatives.
“We probably lacked a bit of fitness last year from where we were in 2022,” Pollard said.
“We’ve been training hard, three night a week over the last two months.
“So we are working on that, and working through our strengths and positives, aiming for where we want to be this year.”
Where they want to be is in the final five across all their grades come September.
While the Roos only have one out this year, it is a big one – league and club best-and-fairest Hannah Morton.
At only 19 years old, Morton was consistently reliable in the Roos’ defence end last season, combining with Pollard to create a powerhouse duo.
It is unclear exactly who will be putting on the GD bib this year, but the return of Taylin Barry and Jordyn Joliffe is sure to help fill the gap left by Morton.
The rest of the A Grade line-up remains relatively the same, with Parry and Ella Mirtschin set to return to the goal circle, while Brieanna Galvin, Bonnie Joliffe and Bree Hodgson will return to the midcourt.
When asked who she thought would be a player to watch in A Grade this season, Pollard said Parry would definitely be one to keep an eye on.
“I think this will be her year, she’s been working hard,” Pollard said of her teammate and co-coach.
With two qualified leader at the helm this year rather than one, combined with a solid line-up across the court, the Roos appear to be in a good position to be one of the teams to beat again.
FROM THE COACH
“I think (Jess Parry) and I will be a good team, we are pretty close on and off the court.” – Elli-Jane Pollard
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jess Parry: Parry has been recognised as one of the best goal attacks in the Central Murray competition for the past few seasons and will continue to play an important role. Aside from her skill and ability in the game, her leadership both on and off the court is highly valuable.
INS & OUTS
INS: Taylin Barry, Jordyn Joliffe.
OUTS: Hannah Morton.
