Energy high in camp
Ararat is building momentum and there is a strong sense opponents might want to keep an eye on the revitalised side.
This is because the Rats have their own eyes on another strong Wimmera association season.
All grades for Ararat made finals in 2018, with the A Grade netballers climbing to elimination finals before a devastating loss to Horsham Saints, who took a 26-point win all the way to a premiership.
Even so, it was a far cry from where the Rats placed in previous years, something A Grade coach Taylor Mason summed up when chatting with The Weekly Advertiser.
“We are obviously disappointed about last season – but to see the team that beat you go on to win the finals – it means the girls are up there with some of the best,” she said.
“As a club we are still trying to push out of that rough patch from a few years ago.
“Our side is quite versatile. We have a lot of depth, a lot of experience and a lot of potential. We are really excited for the season.”
Netball director Stacey Dale echoed Mason’s positivity on the club’s psyche this year.
She said energy in the camp was high and confirmed the ultimate goal was to play finals.
“A Grade has had a rough couple of years, but we are raring to get going,” Ms Dale said.
“We would really like to make finals, to continue where we were last year and develop the team together.
“As a club we want to focus on being united and on the same page.
“It is also about growth and the positive journey it takes to get there.
“We are just looking forward to a fresh year and everyone is eager to get the season started.”
The Rats’ ‘fresh year’ will come with a couple of new faces, including Mason, who joins Ararat as A Grade coach for the first time.
“Taylor has new ideas, especially compared to how the club has gone in the past,” Ms Dale said.
“She has a different approach to things, and she is very versatile.
“She will probably have the teams becoming a bit more fluid too.”
Sharp-shooting veteran Megan Shea will return for a few matches.
Shea has played more than 400 games with the club and Ms Dale believed her depth of knowledge would benefit players in all levels.
“It is really nice, especially for the younger girls, to have someone with experience,” Ms Dale said.
“Two of our under-17 players, Racquel Scott and Delaney Mcloughlin, will also be stepping up in a few of the A Grade matches. We don’t like players to be set in stone.”
Player versatility, and a ‘fluid’ approach within the club, might give the side potential this season, but Mason said consistency is still crucial for Ararat’s success.
“There is definitely room for improvement, but we are already working well and cohesively, which is good,” she said.
“Consistency is a main focus. We are trying to run our legs out for all four quarters, not missing out on that last quarter.
“So, we will continue to push our fitness. We are doing a Monday fitness session and a 45-minute session on Thursday before training. The team that is the fittest team is the one that is going to make it through.”
Ararat will kick off its season against Warrack Eagles on April 13.