KOROIT’S open grade netballers should again be considered a major flag threat in 2017, according to newly-appointed coach Kasey Owen.
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The experienced defender, who previously co-coached the Saints in 2015, expects the Hampden league powerhouse to again be a leading contender, with a line-up that is largely unchanged from that which made last year’s preliminary final.
“We’ve kept the core of our players, pretty much, but we’ve got a big recruit in Jess O’Connor. She’s a superstar,” Owen said.
“Last year we did so well with our list.
“To see us keep all those players, it’s exciting to see how we go in 2017. I think we’ve got such a good side that we can definitely be considered one of the favourites … but it’s early days.”
O’Connor was joint runner-up in the Hampden league’s top-grade netball best and fairest award in 2015, and had been a stalwart in Terang Mortlake’s defence.
The Saints are set to regain midcourter Emily Rose Finnigan after a year’s absence, while junior netballer Alannah Gow is expected to play a bigger role after three open grade appearances last season.
Owen, who this week returned to the coaching post, said Koroit was still looking at options to fill the void left at goal attack with Brooke Grimes stepping aside as she is pregnant.
The Saints could shift a player from defence or the midcourt into goals, but Owen said a goaler could yet present herself when the team launches its preseason on February 2.