New coaches in comeback
The return of Nhill and District Sporting Club’s A Grade netball team to Wimmera league competition is a positive sign for an entity that has been struggling on the court, and on the field, in recent years.
Obviously, Nhill supporters would be content their club has made a small step towards competitiveness in the league’s premier grade again.
The Tigers poached a new coach, Emma Hawker, from western-wimmera neighbours Kaniva-leeor United, in the Horsham District league, to join Nhill mainstay Tracey Bell, at the helm of their A Grade team.
Perhaps the club has never been in a better position to cement its netball future in the Wimmera league.
The Tigers’ B Grade squad were the league’s second-tier competition premier side in 2022.
They narrowly defeated their grand-final opponents, Horsham Demons, by four goals in last season’s title match.
However, without any additions to the Tigers’ side in 2023, their slim defeat of the Demons’
second-string team is a fair indication of their A Grade prospects this season.
Hawker said the club expected to announce several signings before the season started on April 15.
She said she was excited to steer the Nhill A Grade ship, alongside co-coach Bell.
“Tracey has a wealth of knowledge and has an extensive reputation across the region for her netball expertise,” she said.
“Coaching Nhill A Grade alongside her was something I could not say no to.
“The aim is for me to be a playing coach, which can be difficult at times.
“So having Tracey on the sidelines should be an exciting combination – it should allow us to capture the entire court.”
Hawker said all 2022 season players would return to the Tigers this season, with the club’s aim to field at least three senior netball sides.
She said there was no club expectation on her, or her players, as they returned to A Grade competition.
“We are in the midst of selection at the moment and it has been great to have some new faces at training,” she said.
“Obviously, we want to be successful regardless of the competition we are playing in, but it will be great to regularly field an A Grade team again.
“I don’t think it will be a tough year for our players. I am quietly optimistic about our prospects this season.
“For myself, coming across from Horsham District league, I am unsure about what the competition will be like.
“However, we have some fantastic players at the club and I think some new faces will be very handy for us this season.”
The Tigers start their 2023 A Grade campaign against Dimboola, at Dimboola.