KERANG
PROFILE
COMING up just short of finals last year, Kerang are hoping they can go one step further.
The Blues had a strong line-up that really seemed to find their stride last season, but finished in sixth place, just missing out on a finals spot.
While coach Chloe Adams was pleased overall with how her team performed, she said there was “lots of learning” they will take with them into the new season.
“Considering where the club was in 2022 – not fielding an A Grade at all – to be going and being somewhat competitive and only just missing finals last season is a real positive, and it is something that we definitely look at and think that it is a real step in the right direction,” Adams said.
“But obviously at the same time, missing finals is really disappointing and something that we don’t want to be happening again this year.
“I think realistically reflecting on last season, while we had some really great games and we pushed top teams at times, we weren’t anywhere near those top sides.
“We are fully aware of that, and for us, it’s just about continuing to take that step in the right direction and be really pushing for those finals come September.”
The Blues go into the new season without shooting combo Olivia Jones and Courtney Robertson, as well as losing midcourter Tahni Clark.
However, the club has done a lot of recruiting the off-season, welcoming nine new players into their A squad, including sisters Danielle Coates and Shannon Baird.
“Watching them return to the club after nearly a decade away is really exciting,” Adams said.
“They are both super fit and super competitive with really great skills. Seeing them be back in the navy and white is really exciting, and I can’t wait to see them out there alongside each other.”
Adams said that this year the Blues were taking on more of a squad mentality in their senior grades, hoping to give both the players an opportunity to prove themselves and the club the best chance of success.
“We’re giving people the opportunity throughout the year as well, rewarding effort and changing things up if somethings not working or just being a little bit more fluid with our teams, so that they are not set in stone too early,” she said.
“Obviously things are starting to take shape a little bit, but there are still lots of unknowns in terms of positions and combinations, whereas last year we were relatively set early on.
“We have a lot of options, so we just want to be open to all of those heading into the season.”
Adams said that while the ultimate goal was what every other team was vying for – to take home the premiership – she just wants to field a side that is competitive and gives the top teams a run for their money week in, week out.
“That is a really important thing for us, to be up there (with the top teams), be a side people don’t find easy to play against, and if we can make that happen then I suppose everything can sort of follow on from there.”
FROM THE COACH
“We have lots of new faces this year for our netball, which is really exciting, it brings a lot of life to the club and a bit of a breath of fresh air, so we are looking forward to getting on the court and seeing some new combinations.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Danielle Coates: Joining husband Troy in the navy and blue this year, Coates is set to provide an extra layer of depth to the Blues’ A Grade line-up. She has played at Golden Square, Huntly and Newbridge, and her fitness and fierce competitiveness will be an asset to the team.
INS & OUTS
INS: Danielle Coates, Shannon Baird, Emma Chamberlain, Carla Walker, Jarni Gilmour, Mikala McNeill, Kiama Birrer.
OUTS: Courtney Robertson, Tahni Clark, Olivia Jones, Lauren Adams, Remi Macri.
