Lewis to guide new-look side
Last year’s runnerup Harrow-balmoral will be out to make Horsham District finals again in 2018 but will do so with a significantly different line-up.
Incoming coach and returning two-time A Grade premiership player Amy Lewis has taken over the reins from multiple league best and fairest winner Ebonie Salter, who will not return to the court this season.
The Roos have also lost fellow defender Kate Vickery, goalie Sarah Cleaver and midcourter Bec Francis.
Lewis said while they would be tough to replace, their departures would open up opportunities for other players.
“The girls have all left because of circumstances, whether it be work, uni or family,” she said.
“They haven’t left to go to other clubs, which means hopefully we’ll get them back someday.
“Yes, they are big names to lose, but it’s really exciting for our great youth coming through.
“It will also mean those players who have been on the cusp of A Grade for the past few years have
a good opportunity to push their way into the side.”
Returning A Grade players include versatile captain Megan Russell, midcourter Sammy Crick and young shooter Sara Mccuish.
“Sara did a fantastic job in goals last year in her full first year in A Grade and she’ll be back this year,” Lewis said.
“We’ve also picked up Kaddie Cother from Border Districts, who we are hoping might be able to play A Grade.
“She’s an all-rounder so I’m not sure where she’ll slot in yet. At the moment we haven’t had too many opportunities to cement positions so we’ll be trying out a lot of different combinations to see what works for us this year.
“From the players we do have, I know we will have some depth and flexibility and we will still have a good mix of experience with opportunities for youth.” Like several other district and Wimmera association clubs, Lewis is running with an A-B squad.
She said it could take several weeks to settle teams and positions.
“At the moment we’re trying to get everyone on board with some good game structures,” she said.
“We’ve also had a practice match against Casterton’s A and A Reserve sides.
“It was a nice, competitive game and it was a great opportunity to have a proper hit-out and get some game time in the legs.”
Lewis said pre-season was progressing well, with players keen for round-one matches against Pimpinio at Balmoral.
She said numbers had been fantastic across the board.
“We have a lot of new faces at the club this year, which is great, and we have also welcomed back several faces after a couple of years away,” she said.
“Having lots of numbers is good because there are always people away, plus injuries and illnesses, so you need them.”
A regular powerhouse of the competition, the Southern Roos played finals in all grades bar 13 and under in 2013, with A and B grades both falling short of Natimuk United in grand finals.
Lewis said finals berths for all grades would again be on the agenda.
“The club has fielded quality sides for a number of years now and we hope to continue that,” she said. “Finals netball is very different from the home-andaway season. It’s always good for players to gain finals experience.”
Lewis said she was still learning the ropes as a coach and looked forward to further developing in the role.
“I’ve only coached once before but I enjoyed it and always wanted to do it again,” she said.
“When the opportunity came up, I thought, ‘why not?’.
“So far it’s going really well. I’m really enjoying it. It will be nice to start the season and get to know all the players a bit better.
“I enjoy passing on my netball knowledge and helping players develop. As a coach, as long as you’re seeing improvement and players are taking on board what you’re teaching them, that’s all you can ask.
“If you make finals, it’s a bonus.”