FEW teams enjoyed as successful a 2021 season as the Balranald Roos Netball Club.
The A-Grade team and the Under-18s team were crowned the sporting teams of the year for their town, while A-Grade playing coach, A Grade Best & Fairest as well as Voyage Fitness Netball Coach of the Year Jess Parry took home the sportsperson of the year award.
Parry’s side topped the ladder but were unable to compete in the grand final as COVID-19 reared its ugly head again.
Another successful Roo was Grace Morton, and the Central Murray Football Netball League Under-16 best and fairest was awarded for her efforts with the town’s young sportsperson of the year award.
This year again, Parry will take on a coaching role, teaming up with another star from the club, Stevie Bibby, to guide the A-Grade to what will likely be another strong season.
Bibby will also team up with Taylin Barry to coach A-Reserve.
While the B and B-Reserve coaches are yet to be confirmed, Parry will also coach the Under-18 side, while Amelia Calleja will coach the under 16s with assistance from Deb Finch, while Finch will coach Under-14s with assistance from Calleja.
The Under-12s coaching will be a team effort, with Macy Lloyd, Bonnie Jolliffe, Bree Hodson, Tegan Bruton and Mollie Helgeland stepping up.
Parry, like the rest of the Roos, will be hoping for a less stop-and-start season.
“It’s really exciting to be getting back into netball season and a bit of normality again,” Parry said.
“Hopefully it’s an uninterrupted season. We hope to improve on last season and give ourselves a good chance at finals netball.”
The club is hard at work prepping to return to the courts, with fitness front of mind.
“Our pre-season has consisted of Tuesday and Thursday night trainings in Balranald along with a fortnightly session at Specialised Fitness,” Parry said.
Parry hoped this work would allow Balranald to recreate 2021’s success, “finishing on top of the ladder and seeing a new group of girls grow and achieve so much throughout a very interrupted season”.
Unfortunately for the side, Hannah Morton has headed off to Geelong for university so that will be a big loss both on and off court.
“Saying that, it opens up a position for another young talent to come through which is very exciting for us,” Parry said.
Player to watch:
Stevie Bibby – A grade player and 2022 co-coach is always terrific in defence.
