The big picture...
Stawell’s netballers are focusing on the big picture. The Warriors’ A Grade side has struggled during the past two seasons, winning two matches last year after a winless 2017 campaign.
But despite a lean run of success since the team’s last finals appearance, spirits remain high at Central Park.
New A Grade co-coach Tracey Dark said fostering a sense of togetherness and club spirit was just as important as putting a winning team on the court.
“At the end of the day the big picture is your club. Each team is only a small part of that,” she said.
“The big picture is being together and enjoying what you’re doing, whether you’re doing it as a player, as support staff or as a coach.
“If you’re not enjoying it, it’s a lot of hard work for nothing really.
“If you’re enjoying it, you get rewarded for it, whether the scoreboard says you’ve won or lost.
“I’ve played a long time and been through lots of ups and downs, and some of the seasons I’ve enjoyed the most haven’t been about the winning – they’ve been about the people I’ve played with.
“Winning is great, don’t get me wrong – everyone loves to win.
“But if we can be competitive and enjoy it, you’re already three quarters of the way there.”
Club president Tim Williams echoed Dark’s statement, saying inclusiveness and family were big priorities for Stawell.
“We’re still focusing on the family side of things, where families can come for a day of football and netball and be entertained,” he said.
“We’re trying to cater for families and make it a great day out.”
On court, the Warriors will be aided by the return of former junior players Georgia Mcdermott and Madi Smith.
Madelyn Barber, Melanie Dent and Jade Allen will all step up from the 17 and under side.
Junior Dakota Cosson played in Stawell’s A Grade side when it was short of numbers, and Dark said she would continue to be rotated through the team on occasions.
“Some of our juniors have really gone to the next level with their netball, so we like to make sure they keep their hand in at a high
level of senior netball,” she said. Dark said the club’s netballers had been doing fitness work since November and would be primed to give their best effort at the start of the season.
She said the A Grade side was focused on being competitive after last year’s lean campaign.
“You always aim to make finals, but we’re looking at development and enjoyment as major factors as well,” she said.
“We want to make sure we’re staying in matches for longer.”
Dark said the team was particularly looking forward to its Good Friday match against Ararat.
The match will be at Stawell’s North Park, with Central Park to host the Stawell Gift during the Easter long weekend.