THERE might be some subtle changes in Koroit’s top-grade make-up this season, but the constant that remains is the Saints’ belief in their premiership credentials.
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The Hampden league netball powerhouse is again eyeing off late September action, backing up last year’s preliminary final appearance.
They have held onto the majority of their playing group, with Brooke Grimes set to sit out the season as she is pregnant.
They have welcomed back midcourter Emily Rose Finnigan and have recruited former Terang Mortlake tall defender Jess O’Connor.
Kasey Owen, who is embarking on her second stint coaching the Saints, said confidence was high among her charges that they could challenge for the flag again.
“I think a lot of teams that were strong last year are going to continue to be strong,” she said.
“You’ll probably see us up there with Port Fairy and Camperdown (aiming for the double chance).
“We definitely haven’t gotten weaker, we’ve only gotten stronger.”
The inclusion of O’Connor in the team might mean subtle shifting for the Saints, with Owen prepared to move up the court.
“I’m starting to learn wing defence because we’ve got three defenders – it’s good to have those options,” she said.
Nell Mitchell will again predominantly hold down goal shooter, while the Saints have a number of options they could run through goal attack. Owen said the job could fall to Carly Pulling or someone from another position. Defender Emily Batt is another option, given she has shot in the past.
Arrivals
Jess O’Connor (Terang Mortlake), Emily Rose Finnigan (returning)
Departures
Brooke Grimes (pregnant)
2016 best and fairest
1st: Kasey Owen
2nd: Nell Mitchell
3rd: Carly Pulling
Player to watch
JESS O'CONNOR: The former Terang Mortlake star will make an powerful Saints' defensive unit look even more intimidating. Her inclusion will mean some reshuffling for the Saints, but it will be interesting to see how another quality, experienced tall works alongside Emily Batt and Kasey Owen. She will bring on-court leadership as well as her skill to her new team.
Prediction
Susie Giese says: The Hampden league netball powerhouse is again shaping as a major threat for the open grade flag. The Saints made it to the preliminary final last year and could well go a step or two further with some quality coming in and just one outgoing player. They've proven themselves time and time again on the netball court and have genuine strength in defence, the midcourt and goals. There is a quiet confidence among the group as it strives to return to netball's pinnacle.
