Changes spice up the new season

THE Tasmanian State League netball season begins next weekend and with multiple changes to most teams, including last year’s Premiers AYCFriends Arrows, the competition may be wide open this year.

Arrows won their third consecutive premiership last year, overcoming Northern Hawks 67-56, and are the team to beat.

Captain and key defender Zoe Gough will be well supported with the unstoppable Sophie Gunn and vastly improved young gun Natasha Shirley in goals.

Jamie Philp returns to the state league to support Amy Rainbird in the middle and upand-coming defenders Tiena Meaclem and Ellie Flemming will round out the team.

Arrows will look to their always improving under-19s to fill any gaps, with a focus on development. With experienced coach Andrew Jackson remaining at the helm, despite the changes, Arrows should still be a force to be reckoned with.

Northern Hawks have been runners-up the past two years and a burning desire to go one better will drive the team.

Its high scoring shooting end remains unchanged and will be led by Tasmanian Magpies squad member Dannielle Pickett. Jamie Symons joins the team from Cripps and her athleticism will complement hardworking captain Ashton Whiley in the centre.

Karana Flames boasts three Magpies squad members — Zanna Jodlowska, Kaitlin Petrie and Hannah Lee — and will look to their leadership on and off the court to help the young side continue to improve.

Kingston has promoted a number of its talented under-19 players this year, and young gun goalie Gemma Polley should prove to be a great focal point. Magpies squad member Emma Johns leads a very tall defence end, and the inclusion of Greta Shelton should add spark to the side’s centre court.

Cripps Waratah will be pushing hard for a top four finish. With Magpies squad member Alex Vinen back at full strength and the return of experienced players Sophia Cole and Kelly Bowring, the team is looking in good shape.

Cavaliers are looking very strong and may just be the dark horse with the return of Deanna Wadley, Brie Rattray and Magpies squad member Shelby Miller. Dannie Car- stens will be looking to get the most out of her talented team.

Devon, Burnie and OHA will look to improve on their seventh, eighth and ninth positions last year. With multiple changes, consistency and development will be the focus.