Side strengthened
The return of several former premiership players will see Natimuk United enter the 2017 Horsham District Football Netball League season with added versatility.
After winning an historic A Grade flag in 2015, the Ewes’ depth was tested in 2016 following several off-season departures and a season-ending injury to standout defender Jo Taylor.
Netball director and A Grade shooter Shannon Couch said Taylor would again play a pivotal role this season.
“Jo’s had a pretty good recovery and is ready to go,” she said.
“Initially she was due back mid-year, but she’s been given the tick of approval and should be right to start the season.”
Natimuk United will also welcome back midcourter Danielle Fleay from maternity leave, along with midcourter-defender Zoe Hanson, who had a year off netball to travel.
“We have also retained the rest of last year’s A Grade team,” Couch said. Midcourter Cheryl Sudholz has resumed her playing-coach role for the 2017 season.
Sudholz said she was pleased to keep her core group of players along with welcoming back a few familiar faces.
Couch said she expected to see several new faces at preseason.
“I know of a few players coming from other clubs, along with the wives of some of the footballers we’ve recruited, but I’m not sure what grades they will play yet,” she said.
“We haven’t started team selection, but we have good numbers and we will be able to fill all of our grades.” Natimuk United netballers will start pre-season training on February 16.
Couch said coaches would focus on a mix of fitness and ball skills.
“We’re going to get straight into it and combine the team selection process with fitness training, rather than doing fitness for a few weeks and then having a few weeks of tryouts,” she said.
“That way we can see who we’ve got and incorporate selections all the way through.”
Couch said she looked forward to another positive year for the club.
The Ewes’ A Grade outfit made it to the preliminary final in 2016, falling short of eventual premier Harrow-balmoral by six goals.
“We were happy with how we went last year given our injuries and settling in new players,” Couch said.
“Hopefully we’ll be that bit stronger this year. That’s what all teams aim for every year – to make finals.
“Our B Grade will definitely be out for a premiership. They had a great year last year and will be looking to back it up.”
B Grade went down to Harrow-balmoral in a hard-fought grand final, 29-33, while the 13 and Unders made it to the elimination final.
“All of our teams will be striving to make finals this year,” Couch said.
“We’re looking forward to getting back into it.”
Natimuk United will start its 2017 Horsham District season against Rupanyup on April 8.