BIRCHIP-Watchem netball vice-president Megan Noonan is feeling optimistic heading into the 2023 season.
“I do actually think our senior grades will be quite competitive this year, and whether or not that returns success in terms of premierships this year, I’m confident it will in the next few coming years,” she said.
Leading the Bulls’ A Grade squad this season will be Kellie Matthews.
“Previously she is a well-known coach on the hockey field, so netball is new to her, but we have got no doubt about her ability to direct, enthuse and hopefully bring some success to that A Grade team,” Noonan said.
While they have a few players sidelined due to pregnancy this year, key players such as Gemma Ryan and Shianne Parsons will don the green and purple again.
Noonan also believes there are a couple of under-17s players who will get the chance to prove themselves in the senior grades throughout the season.
“This year one of our objectives we want to achieve is that consistency with our teams, and that we have the ability for our junior up-and-coming players to slot into those senior teams and, with the guidance of our senior coaches, that their skills and abilities can be enhanced through the season,” she said.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Noonan is looking forward to seeing Gemma Ryan’s versatility on both ends of the court this season. She also believes under-17s player Jenna Angel is an up-and-coming junior to keep an eye on, possibly taking the court in the senior grade at some point during the season.
