Confident Cougars have eyes on finals
THE Geelong Cougars will launch their Victorian Netball League premiership campaign against City West Falcons tomorrow, with a distinct local flavour in the championship line-up.
St Joseph’s stars Emily Post and Tori Honner have made the switch from the Falcons, while shooting sensation Ruby Horton returns after a year away from state league netball.
Leopold pair Allie Smith and Zanna Woods have also earnt callups from division one, while Sarah Main has joined the Cougars set-up after a year with South Barwon.
Geelong coach Gerard Murphy said his squad was excited about finally taking the court after a delayed start to their pre-season.
“Things are progressing really well,” Murphy said.
“We had a longer break and didn’t start until January but over the last six weeks we’ve been focusing on match play and getting the girls in the gym as much as possible to build up some base strength.
“Everyone is looking pretty good and we’re just excited now to get out on the court on Sunday.”
The Cougars have enhanced their reputation for development of local talent with three players in their squad of 12 — Mel Bragg (Collingwood), Vanessa Augustini (Collingwood) and Tayla Honey (Melbourne Vixens) — who will be training partners at Suncorp SuperNetball teams, as well as having Smith and Brooke Allan as part of the Victorian Fury squad.
Murphy said while the varied availability of that group would test his team’s depth, he was confident finals were still a realistic aim.
“It’s going to be a tough first part of the year because once the ANL season starts the three training partners plus two Fury girls are going to be in and out every week,” he said.
“We have got depth to cover them, but it’s still not the full strength team. Most of the other teams are in the same position, so it’s not really an excuse, and we should still be able to compete strongly.
“We’re hoping to be in the top four again and the goal for the girls is just to continue to play their best and if they all play well there is no reason we shouldn’t be in the top four at the end of the season.”
The Cougars will back up with a clash next Wednesday against Melbourne University lightning.