Dimboola aims higher in 2019
After missing the finals for the first time in years last season, Dimboola’s A Grade netballers are hoping to fight their way back into the top five in 2019.
The Roos had finished fourth or fifth every year since 2013, but slipped to sixth by a single game last season.
Dimboola netball director and A Grade player Abbey Greig said the side was determined to reclaim a spot in the finals.
“We’ve been fifth for the past few years, but last year we slid down to sixth,” she said.
“We’ll try to get back into the finals and aim even a little bit higher than fifth.
“We’re hoping we can get closer to the top three sides – the ones that are always above us – and be more competitive for more quarters.
“As always, the top teams are going to be Horsham and Warrack Eagles. We always have a good tussle with Horsham Saints as well.”
The Roos are set to lose last season’s goal keeper, Louisa Vague, and defender Carly Werner, who is pregnant.
Ms Greig said the Roos hoped to sign former gun junior Olivia Jorgensen, who has been away for the past few seasons due to school commitments.
Greig said the club would need its juniors to take on more responsibility this season. “We’re looking at playing some juniors more and giving them a chance,” she said.
“Ruby Redford played a few games last year and she might become a more permanent member of the side.
“We’re looking for our juniors to step up to help the side.”
Ms Greig said team chemistry and calmness in big moments would also aid the Roos.
“We’re looking to become a more settled team,” she said.
“There are a few of us who have been playing together for a few years, so hopefully that will help. We know each other and we know how each other plays.
“Because there haven’t been too many changes we should be able to gel better as a team.”
Ms Greig said the team also wanted to improve its fitness after failing to run out matches strongly last season.
She said a stronger emphasis on personal fitness for all players would keep the side in games longer.
“We’ve only had one training session so far, so there have been no changes to the pre-season routine at this stage,” she said.
“We’re working on doing more at home and being more accountable for our own fitness away from training.”