Disappointment a key motivator
Minyip-murtoa will use the disappointment of last year’s grand final losses as motivation to go one step further in 2017.
The Burras enjoyed a great season across the board in 2016, but incoming A Grade coach Claire Drum said players were disappointed to fall short of premiership success.
“We had four teams in grand finals last year and the one least likely to win was the only one that did,” she said.
“I’m sure the other three teams would love to have another go at it.”
Drum coached B Grade, which finished fifth, to a flag against an undefeated Ararat outfit in her first year back in Wimmera league in 2016.
She has a wealth of coaching experience at a variety of levels, including Victorian Netball League division one.
This year, she has stepped up to coach A and B grades.
“Vicki Burke had agreed to coach for the two years and when she stepped down I was offered the A Grade role,” Drum said.
“It’s a good opportunity to work with a quality team.” A Grade had a successful season in 2016, finishing second overall, but was unable to claim the ultimate prize, going down to Horsham Demons in the grand final, 35-41.
“A Grade did very well last year and they made the preliminary final the previous year,” Drum said.
“There is a very obvious step up. I think making the grand final again is a fair and reasonable goal. If you don’t aim high enough you end up settling for something less.”
Drum said this year’s A Grade line-up would look similar to last year’s after the club managed to retain all players.
The Burras had Kirby Knight leading the way in goals and Stevie Bibby and Paula Wiedermann resolute in defence in 2016, and also boasted plenty of depth and versatility.
The senior squad will be strengthened by the return of defender Stefanie Cooper following a year off to have her first child.
“In B Grade there has been a little attrition, some have moved away while a couple are having babies,” Drum said.
“A couple of our more senior players, Kristin Starick and Luci Pidgeon have decided to drop back to play C Grade.
“It gives opportunities for some of the young ones coming through to step up.”
Drum said although she had set a senior squad, she was still finalising teams ahead of round one.
“We’re making a few tweaks as we see where some of the new and returning players will fit in,” she said.
“We’re just refining a few things, but we have good lineups across all grades.”
Drum said there was a positive atmosphere at the club, with both footballers and netballers keen to get the season underway.
“President Andy Delahunty has high expectations for the club this year and we want to live up to them,” she said.
“We’ve done a lot of the hard work, now we need to refine a few things, such as not letting things slip during close games.
“That happened against Horsham in the grand final and also during the season.”
Drum said she expected another competitive year.
“You have to look at Horsham to be strong again, and I think Warrack Eagles will be back up there this year, with Sarah Spicer returning and coaching with Jane Richardson,” she said.
“But I wouldn’t underestimate any team.”
Minyip-murtoa will meet Nhill in round one at Murtoa on April 22.