NYAH-NYAH WEST UNITED
PROFILE
NYAH-Nyah West United will take to the court with a new-look A Grade side this season, hoping to quickly gel as a cohesive unit to give themselves the best chance at a high ladder finish.
The first big change is the appointment of Madison Jones as A Grade coach, taking over from Laura Anderson.
Jones is a long-time player at the Demons, and her knowledge and expertise of the game will be an advantage for her team.
The Demons had an average year in 2023, able to get five wins throughout the year, finishing the season in eighth place – down two positions compared to a year earlier.
“I think the girls obviously know how we went last year, but they are excited for some new players, some new ideas, and they are also pretty determined to have a better year than last year,” Jones said.
“It was pretty disappointing with a few injuries and then losing some players, it was a bit disheartening, but I think they are excited to come back stronger.”
While Jones is keen to be taking on the role of A Grade coach for the first time, she may have a bit of a challenge ahead of her in creating a solid team, with a lot of new faces joining the line-up.
Last year’s club best-and-fairest Taylen Blachford will be back in the GK/GD bib again, with her height and ability in the ring a massive asset to the Demons. Shooter Steph Henson will also return, as well as Lucy Millard in the midcourt.
But all three of these players will be forming new combinations, with shooter Bridie Curran, defender Aleesha Flanagan and midcourter Shania Decker all not playing A Grade this season. The Demons will also be without former coach Anderson and Jones herself on the court, both recovering from knee injuries sustained last season.
Taking their places, 2023 A Reserve players Shania Kelly and Chloe Threadgold have been elevated to A Grade, while new recruit Sarah Gaskin is set to join Henson in the Demons’ attack end.
Former club best-and-fairest Matika Mitchell will also return this season after a brief stint at Moulamein last year, where she took home the Golden Rivers league best-and-fairest award despite missing the first few rounds of the season.
Mitchell’s ability as a defender and experience of the game will be a great asset to the Demons, particularly as they try to form those bonds all across the court.
“I have very high hopes for these girls. I think they deserve to have some success out on the court, and I really think that they can do it,” Jones said.
“They have a lot of potential to do well this year.”
FROM THE COACH
“We’ve had quite a big swap up this year. We have only got a couple of girls from the team last year. It will take a bit to settle in I guess, but I’m really excited for the new inclusions.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Matika Mitchell: Mitchell looks set to be a leader on the court for the Demons this season. Her wealth of netball knowledge, as well as her skills and ability, will be just what they need, and could be what gets them over the line in the end.
INS & OUTS
INS: Matika Mitchell (Moulamein), Sarah Gaskin.
OUTS: Madison Jones, Laura Anderson, Bridie Curran, Aleesha Flanagan, Shania Decker.
