The departures of several key players has left Balranald’s A grade side with numerous holes to fill this season, even with the return of champion goaler Jess Parry from injury.
Parry’s return from a knee injury that cruelled her 2024 campaign will be a welcome sight for Roos fans, with the former Julie Wardle medallist considered one of the best players in the competition when at her best.
But Parry will be returning to a vastly different team to the one she last played in, with her partner in crime Ella Mirtschin heading north and the Roo’s key defenders Grace Morton, Bree Hodgson and Elli-Jane Pollard also not taking to the court in 2025.
Pollard will remain as coach of Balranald in a non-playing capacity and despite the loss of quality personnel, is looking forward to the seeing some of the club’s talented youngsters get their opportunity.
“It’s been a bit of a rough start to the season, but I still think we’re going to be competitive, we have enough talent in our squad that we’ll always be competitive,” Pollard said.
“Macy Lloyd will get more opportunities and has been ready to step up for a while now, as is Isabella Papa, who will probably play A grade as well as under 17s.
“She (Papa) will probably played a more defensive role in the A grade team, but she’s a bit of an all rounder and I know she will adjust really well.
“All the girls will have to readjust to play positions that they’re not used to, but I reckon they’re all capable.”
“Getting Jess (Parry) back is massive for us, she’s a huge in and just to have her leadership back out on the court will be a positive in itself.
“Her leadership is just second to none and to be honest, she is probably the best player in the competition when she’s up and going, so we’re pretty lucky to get her back into our line-up.”
The Roos will also gain the services of Katelyn Hazlett, who is expected to help fill one of the vacant defensive posts, while Indi Kirby will also return to the Roos after a couple of seasons away.
Just who else fills the remaining spots in Balranald’s defensive third remains to be seen, with the team having good depth in the remaining positions on the court.
It would be expected that one of Parry, Lloyd or Bec Harvey will move down back in order to keep the Roos’ strong midcourt combination of Bonnie Jolliffe, Taylin Barry and Chloe Taylor in tact.
Despite the changing of the guard, Balranald will continue to play the style of netball that led to a third place finish last season, with Pollard challenging her playing group to continue to take the game on.
“I think we’ll be looking to keep our fast ball movement and our attacking brand of netball,” Pollard said.
“I think Taylin (Barry) and Chloe (Taylor) through the mid court, along with Bonnie (Jolliffe), that’s the style of play that brings out their best.
“Our focus has really been on trying to recruit more numbers, and not only in the A grade, but the whole way through, as we’re just battling a little bit with our numbers across the board.
“We had a list of over 20 girls that I reckon are not playing this season but were playing last year, so its has been a bit tough, but we’ve just been really working on our fitness and getting that as strong as we can.”
BALRANALD FAST FACTS
JOINED LEAGUE – 1997
COURTS – Greenham Park
PREMIERSHIPS – 1 (2022)
A GRADE COACH – Elli-Jane Pollard
2024 LADDER POSITION – Semi Finalist
2024 BEST & FAIREST – Grace Morton
FROM THE COACH
“I still think we’re going to have a reasonably strong squad of seven or eight players. I’m expecting us to be really competitive still despite having a vastly different squad and I think we are still capable of winning enough games to be around the mark.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jess Parry
Having missed the bulk of last year with a knee injury, Parry will be determined to make up for lost time in 2025.
With an exodus of players from their A grade squad, Parry’s smarts, class around the goal ring and experience will be invaluable this season.
Having stepped back from coaching to focus on her return to playing, the former league best and fairest and Balranald premiership coach will be a key factor in the Roos capacity to remain a finals contender.
IN’S
Indi Kirby
Katelyn Hazlett
OUT’S
Elli-Jane Pollard
Ella Mirtschin
Grace Morton
Bree Hodgson
