The Terang Mortlake fan will call on her passion for the Hampden league club as she jumps into the coaching hot seat in 2017.

Crawley believes she’s inherited a talented list capable of building on last season’s seventh place finish.

“Realistically last year they lost a lot of games by one or two goals when they were in a winning position, so I suppose that year’s experience for the young players is going to get them to step up again this year,” she said.

“Hopefully we’re going to be a bit more versatile; players playing in different positions instead of the one position.”

Crawley expects younger players, such as Jess Quick, Libby Moloney and Jacqui Arundell, to complement experienced duo Kelly Mullen and Aimee Arundell.

She said Libby Moloney showed promise last season as a bottom-age 17 and under player, while Camperdown recruit Gabby Beaver would give the Bloods another option in attack.

Crawley is hopeful the Bloods’ youthful enthusiasm will reap rewards.

“Jess stepped up and played a few games in centre and she did a really good job because she’s not very tall but she’s very smart,” she said.

“Jacqui Arundell was a young goalie in senior netball and she did really well against experienced defenders.

“Laura Bourke was on and off last year – she got crook halfway through it – but she’s really keen to have a real good crack.

“She’ll make big improvements this year and she’s going to help me with the under 17s as well. It is good blooding another player, another coach.”

Arrivals

Gabby Beaver (Camperdown), Libby Moloney (17 and under).

Departures

Emma Lucas

2016 best and fairest

1st: Kelly Mullen

2nd: Jess Quick

3rd: Aimee Arundell

Player to watch

KELLY MULLEN: An experienced defender who provides a steadying influence in the backcourt and reads the play well. Will provide leadership too as an assistant to new coach Kerrie Crawley.

Prediction

Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: Terang Mortlake was part of the logjam in 2016, showing promise in finishing seventh. New coach Kerrie Crawley is a passionate Terang Mortlake person and will add spark to the side, while outgoing mentor Aimee Arundell will benefit on the court without the shackles of leading. Her sister Jacqui will benefit from another year's experience in the goal circle and Jess Quick is an emerging centre. The question mark on the Bloods is their depth and ability to match it with the stronger sides. A finals chance but must start well to build early-season momentum.