Tyntynder
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ON the cusp of really finding their rhythm at the end of last season, Tyntynder are hoping this year will find them in the final five.
Taking over the reins from Tegan Lawry as head coach, 2023 club Best and Fairest and former premiership player Kelsey Rowe has wasted no time in getting her team season-fit, focusing heavily on putting in the hard yards earlier in the year to better set themselves up for success.
“We know what it is like to miss out on a finals spot, so we need to be a bit more hungry to get more wins on the board,” Rowe said.
“In preseason, we have focused on that, that we needed to put in some work a bit earlier on in the season if we do want to go further than what we did last year.
“The girls have all taken that on board and done that. We are definitely putting in the hard work now and hoping that that will have a good outcome towards the end of the year.”
Although the Dogs only got five wins and one draw on the board last year, they were sporting a relatively fresh-faced line-up that began to work more cohesively the further the season went on.
This year, most of that line-up will return, including dynamic defending duo Bridget Dedini and Nichola Milano, as well as midcourter Demi Hallam. Shooter Tess Denham is also set to return to the court after being sidelined with an injury last season.
Last year’s A Reserve Best and Fairest and Runners Up Brigette King and Elvie Kelly-Britten, respectively, have also been elevated to the Dogs A Grade team this season.
“I think they bring new elements to the team, which hopefully has a positive impact for us as well,” Rowe said of her teammates.
King will be providing an extra layer of depth to the Dogs defence end, with her height and skill in reading the play making her a very dominant player, while Kelly-Britten’s expertise should mean she slots rights back into their A Grade side.
However, the Dogs will be without the “leadership and expertise” of Toni Rivett this year, with the talented midcourter departing the club to play at the Hay Lions.
While a key goal for the Dogs is to be more competitive overall this season, Rowe said the vibe off the court is just as important to them this year.
“Everyone wants to play finals, so that is definitely a goal. But I think beyond that, we just want to improve and build on each week, and more importantly have a really good season off the court socially,” she said.
“We want to have some fun and make it a year to remember.”
FROM THE COACH: “The vibe around the netball courts is unreal, and we’re getting such good numbers, and I think that is a reflection of building that club culture as well.”
PLAYER TO WATCH: Elvie Kelly-Britten: After playing A Res last season, returning to netball after an injury, Kelly-Britten will be a welcome addition to Tyntynder’s midcourt. Her experience and clever play will help direct her teammates on the court. Her speed and agility is also second to none.
INS: Tamara Weiss, Taylah Woodward (Pyramid Hill), Tess Denham
OUTS: Toni Rivett (Hay), Nikita Morrison, Jade Featherby (Ultima)
