Young Eagles set to soar
Warrack Eagles netballers would hope a climb up the ladder can happen as fast as a slide down it.
The Eagles’ A Grade team finished eighth in 2022, after a top-four finish during the COVId-interrupted 2021 Wimmera league season.
Last year, the Eagles’ A Grade team was unable to secure a win until round nine, when it toppled Dimboola by 23 points.
A top-four position in 2023 would require considerably faster additions to the Eagles’ ‘win’ column – something their coach believes is a possibility.
Coach Ashlynn Mckenzie said the club would have a ‘new look’ senior squad this season.
“Players from the past couple of seasons have taken the opportunity, now that COVID isn’t impacting life as much, to move on,” she said.
“However, that has given local girls and a few new faces the opportunity to step into the A Grade team.
“We have also had a few of our long-standing senior players retire in recent years.
“Players who have stepped up from the 17-and-under team this year will have a strong presence among our senior teams.
“It’s great to see them thriving in this environment.”
Mckenzie said the club dipped into its stockpile of junior talent in 2022 to support its senior grades – something the club would continue in 2023.
“We relied heavily on our juniors last year to get us through the season,” she said.
“It was terrific to see them develop their skills within the senior ranks.
“We will be using them again to support our seniors and give juniors court time in all senior grades. We have some really good and skilled juniors coming through. The opportunity for them to grow as players with senior netball time is something we nurture at the club.”
The Eagles’ A Grade team found its stride in the second half of last season, with wins against Ararat in round 14 and against Dimboola, again, in round 18.
Their later-season improvement included close losses against the finals-bound Southern Mallee Giants in round 11 and Minyip-murtoa in round 12.
Mckenzie said the club’s initial goal for its A Grade players was to be at their ‘best’ for round one.
She said the squad’s talent, albeit young, could offer Warrack Eagles supporters a finals campaign at the end of the season.
“With a new side, we want to see continuous improvement throughout the year,” she said.
“I’d love to see this group of girls be within the top five at the end of the season and I have no doubt that they can do that.”
The Eagles start the new season with a chance to prove themselves against the reigning premier, Horsham Saints, in round one.