Two in a row?

Reigning Horsham District premier Harrowbalmoral has its sights set on back-to-back flags following a line-up shuffle that has involved several new players and roles. Despite losing several premiership players, the Southern Roos have adapted to change and find themselves with a week off during the first round of finals after finishing second. Coach Ebonie Salter, a decorated player and key defender, said her team was well prepared for another tilt at the title. “We’ve started to put a few things into place we’ve been working on ahead of finals,” she said. “We’re really happy to have finished second. With the competition as even as it is it’s really important to have that second chance.” Salter said this year’s home-and-away season had been a challenging one. “We have a new line-up this year so we didn’t know what to expect from our- selves or how we were going to go,” she said.

“We’ve proved to ourselves we can match it with the top teams.

“We lost three games for the season but I’m happy with the way we fought out the games. Our never-give-up attitude is a strength.”

Salter leads the defence alongside goal keeper Kate Vickery. Both provide leadership and experience.

The Roos have speedy youngster Rebecca Francis in wing defence, experienced Sammy Crick at wing attack and Megan Russell in centre.

Russell is new to the midcourt role this year after playing goal keeper in 2016.

“Megan is starting to find her feet and her speed and height are really important,” Salter said.

“She’s also our captain and is an on-court leader.”

Salter said Sara Mccuish and Sarah Cleaver are working well together in goals.

“Sarah Cleaver has a high work rate in goal attack. She’s growing in confidence and is not afraid to take a long shot,” she said.

“She’s quite accurate. Sara is a young girl playing up and she’s been a really good focal point. She’s reliable, accurate and has a lot of maturity for her age.”

Salter said Janelle Knight provided plenty of support in the midcourt alongside younger players Phoebe Mcclure and Georgia Muldoon, who were gaining vital A Grade experience this year.

“Knight comes off the bench for us, into the midcourt. She’s probably the most experienced player we’ve got and her voice and leadership are great qualities. We’re lucky to have a player like her coming off the bench,” she said.

Like other coaches, Salter is expecting a competitive finals series.

The Roos will meet Laharum in the second semi-final, at Laharum on September 2.

“Laharum has set the benchmark this season. If they keep playing the way they are they’re going to be hard to beat,” Salter said.

The Southern Roos are enjoying a successful season, with all teams bar 13 and under netball to contest finals.