Sisters unite for coaching role
Noradjuha-quantong will look for another strong Horsham District league season in 2018 after making finals in all senior grades last year.
Defender Yolly Molineaux will again coach the club’s A Grade outfit, this time alongside sister Georgia Francis.
Molineaux said she was excited to see her sister, a former B Grade coach, take the next step.
“George showed real maturity and leadership last year, which shows she is ready for this next challenge of coaching,” she said.
Last year’s co-coach and veteran shooter Sharon Fedke will line up in B Grade this season, while multiple premiership player Melissa Hoffmann will step into the A Grade shooting role.
“Hoff has been our club’s most consistent goalie for years and has really earned this challenge,” Molineaux said.
“She might not be overly tall but she makes up for it in smarts – she is one of the smartest netballers I’ve ever played with.
“She is also cool, calm and collected, which is a bonus in any grade.”
The Bombers have retained the majority of last year’s A Grade list with the exception of Maddi Focroul, who has departed the club to join the army.
The club has welcomed Sarnia Hose, wife of new senior football coach Gareth.
“Sarnia is a great pick-up,” Molineaux said.
“She’s a fit and speedy player who has had a few years off and is already showing great signs.
“She is fitting in great and will slot into the midcourt well, although she’s versatile enough to play in defence if we need her to.”
Francis and Carly Creek will also line up in the midcourt.
“George is a real leader in attack. She’s agile and quick and controls everything in our attack end, while Carly is our ‘tagger’, running opposition off their feet while sticking like glue,” Molineaux said.
Young goalie Lucy Brand continues to grow in confidence each week and will return to the ring, while Molineaux and Brooke Pay will again form a strong defensive combination.
Molineaux said while the bulk of the A Grade side was set, she and her fellow selectors were still finalising teams.
“Our selection process is going longer than we thought it would because we have plenty of numbers and are working hard to find the best fit for everyone,” she said.
“Pre-season is going great so far and we have lots of new faces, which is wonderful for the club.
“We also have several girls returning after a few years off, so we’re just taking our time to make sure we get the mix of players right.
“We are focusing more on game play earlier to ensure we’re ready for round one, while trying to incorporate fitness at the same time.”
Noradjuha-quantong will field all netball grades in 2018 and will look to make finals across the board.
The club’s C and C Reserve teams will start the season as reigning premiers, while the 15 and unders also made the grand final in 2017.
“We had a fantastic season last year with all senior teams making finals,” Molineaux said.
“We pride ourselves on having strong netballers and talented juniors coming up through the ranks.
“This year we will all just take it one game at a time, ensuring our new faces work into their teams.”
Noradjuha-quantong will meet Natimuk United in round one on April 7.