Demons dealt injury blow, but coach confident of team’s form

LOCAL NETBALL

PORTARLINGTON has been dealt a blow, with news Jakobi Hillier’s knee injury was worse than first thought.

The pre-season injury has in fact been revealed as an ACL tear, which means Hillier will require a knee reconstruction and will miss the rest of the season.

It is a blow to new coach Abbey Middleton’s squad, but the first-year mentor says her team has been able to step up without the mid-courter.

“We’re starting to jell quite nicely,” she said.

“To have a win first-off was pretty exciting, especially considering the club didn’t win a game last year, so, yeah, pretty exciting. Second round, we were happy with our performance because Ammos played brilliant, they played a great game, to be honest.

“Our defence end is very strong, I’m very happy with those girls, creating so many turnovers.

“I think the biggest thing we need to work on is capitalising on all those turnovers.”

Portarlington went winless in 2018, while Newcomb — who the Demons meet at home today — won two games last year, both against Portarlington. While Middleton was not at the club last year, she expects a fiery contest.

“I’m sure there would be rivalry there, trying to beat each other,” she said.

“We’re missing a few players this week with injury and stuff, but it will be interesting to see how we go.

“(But) it’s good to see the girls stepping up and performing at that higher level.

“Getting to know each other, where we move on court, more time together would be great.”

Jacinta Jameson, who was called up from B-grade to add to the A-grade depth, is also set to miss with a knee injury, but should only be sidelined for 2-3 weeks.

Middleton said today was a big event for the club.

“I think it’ll be a great day,” she said. “I know the club has a few fundraising ideas organised so the girls will get really into that. I think it’ll be a good day, actually.”