Positive outlook
Rupanyup will attempt to climb Horsham district netball’s A Grade ladder this year and push towards a top-six finish.
But Panthers on-court coach Kayla Woods said the project for her team was to simply improve and build on last season, set early goals and try to achieve them.
“Really it’s about being competitive every game and to win as many games as possible,” she said.
Woods, who missed last season with injury, will marshal the Panthers from the defensive end of the court and like most teams across the district would love to have a few extra talls join her team.
“It looks as though we will retain the majority of our players from last year and might see a few new faces,” she said.
“We started training last week and had a good turn-out.
“Everyone was positive and looking forward to the year. I think we’ll be competitive this year.”
The Panthers are again likely to push through shooter Blair Burke and with Jenni Downer stepping up after finishing runner-up for league B Grade best and fairest honours last year, has pace and experience in the mid-court.
Downer is also coaching the club’s B Grade side.
“We’ll have some speed around the middle although we haven’t specifically put anyone in particular roles just yet,” Woods said.
“We’re still looking to build our list, although Blair, who is tall, accurate and had a good season last year, is likely to be our main avenue to goal.”
The Panthers also hope to benefit from the appointment of Lisa King in a club netball development role.
King, relatively new to Rupanyup, has a considerable background in various netball roles in Adelaide.
Woods said King would bring a wealth of knowledge to the club and would prove an asset in developing the playing group into competitive units.
“She will work with every grade – juniors as well as seniors – and is a massive asset,” she said.
“She is at the end of her playing career but we’re hoping she will pull on the runners.”
Woods herself is looking forward to rejoining the on-court action after hurting her knee. “I’m really looking forward to getting back on the court. It’s good to get back into it, having a bit of match play,” she said.
“It’s just good to get the ball out and things seem to be flowing along nicely.”
Woods confirmed the Panthers, apart from regular preseason training, would have a team-bonding day at Rupanyup in March.
“We have a lot of activities planned and a few special guests, so it should be good,” she said.
The Panthers are yet to appoint other senior or junior coaches. Rupanyup has only one way to go on the ladder after finishing with a solitary A Grade victory last year.
The club also finished fourth in B Grade, ninth in C Grade, sixth in 17 and under and 12th in 13 and under grades.