Only nine players were selected from a strong field of 22 to take the court for the reigning premier.

While English had to break the hearts of 13 netballers, she said it was a privilege to have a large pool of talent all eager to suit up for the A grade Blues team.

"We are very lucky to have such strength and depth at the club," she said.

The senior squad includes Danielle McLeod, Darcy Saunders, Sarah Hearn, Emma Cook, Meleita Finnigan, Jacqui Bowman, Siobhan Sefton, Holly Greene and Emma O'Keeffe.

English said a month of training and practice matches had doubled as selection trials.

"We've been training twice a week for the last four weeks, and have had some practice games," she explained.

"The side was chosen based on performance." English said all players accepted the news with professionalism.

"Most of the girls were quite pleased with the team," she said. "They all took the news well."

Netballers who missed out on the top side will take the A1 court during the season.

However, English said there would be regular opportunities for players to force their way into the senior team.

"We will float a couple of players between the two grades for the first part of the season," she said.

"There are three girls in particular who have a good chance of moving up."

While English would not disclose who the three were, she listed a number of "serious contenders" from the reserves side.

The A1 team comprises Sarah O'Keeffe, Kasey Owen, Anna Buzolich, Emily-Rose Finnigan, Erin McCorkell, Jenny Walters, Shelley Hunt, Jenna Richardson, Kristie Chiller, Laura Twaddle and Natasha Dwyer.