Another Hampden League netball season is on the horizon and The Standard’s SEAN HARDEMAN provides your one-stop guide to everything you need to prepare for another bumper year.
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Camperdown
2017 finish: Second
Ins: Josalin McDonald (Kolora-Noorat), Jeneve McLeod,
Outs: Jaymie Finch, Emily Finch (Cobden)
Player to watch: Chelsea Baker – “Plays through centre court and can play in any role and she is going to be a really good prospect for us this year.”
Coach’s comment: “Looking forward to see how these juniors come through. They have had a bit of senior experience but they’re in that second year where they can play more regular games and I’m excited to see who will take up the challenge in holding down the two goal positions.” – Sharon Kenna
Prediction: Seventh. The Magpies have retained most of their list, but need to urgently fill the shooter role left by the recently departed Finch sisters, who thrived last year scoring 195 goals between them (Jaymie 87, Emily 108).This season will be a year of trial and error for Kenna’s side.
Cobden
2017 finish: Fourth
Ins: Sophie Barr (Newtown and Chilwell), Jaymie Finch, Emily Finch (Camperdown), Amy Hammond (Tongala), Rebecca Denville (Timboon).
Outs: Chloe Gibson.
Player to watch: Emily Finch - “Often flies under the radar and she has a really good awareness of space and impeccable timing and can turn a game around.”
Coach’s comment: “We’ve set some internal goals and we’re trying to build on our efforts of the past two seasons, we are really trying to create an encouraging and cohesive group of players that complement each other’s strengths.” – Nadine McNamara
Prediction: Second. The Bombers are locked and loaded for a big year. Well balanced across the board and with the inclusion of the Finch sisters under the net Cobden is set for a charge at the premiership this year.
Hamilton Kangaroos
2017 finish: Seventh
Ins: Amanda Huf (pregnancy), Rhi Davis, Jess McLeod (Glenthompson-Dunkeld), Chloe Tuffnell, Jess McCallum, Emily Pertzel (division one).
Outs: Kelsey Lewis (pregnancy), Rhianne Lewis (knee), Teagan McIntosh (university), Rebecca Langley (university)
Player to watch: Amanda Huf – “Having her back, she has a strong reputation and won the Hampden league best and fairest a couple of years ago, exciting to have her back in the team.”
Coach’s comment: “Seeing the girls come together, being new to the league I don't know much about the league and my focus will be on us and getting the most out of our girls.” – Melanie Starr
Prediction: Fourth. Lots of movement in Hamilton’s ranks and with a fresh face at the helm in Starr I’m expecting the Kangaroos to skip up the ladder in 2018.
Koroit
2017 finish: Premiers
Ins: Vanessa McLaren (Old Collegians), Lily Killey, Molly McKinnon
Outs: Bridget Roache (baby)
Player to watch: Sophie McDonald – “She has been a Koroit junior and went under the radar last year and I think she will be definitely one to watch out for.”
Coach’s comment: “Our aim for this year is to try and rotate the juniors that we think are going to be our open players in the next few years as the older players in the team start to step away.” – Carly Pulling
Our prediction: First. The Saints have recruited well again and will be relishing the hunted tag that comes with being reigning premiers. Koroit will keep on marching and have another solid year at the top.
South Warrnambool
2017 finish: Eighth
Ins: Ruby Wilson, Nikki Lowe (Ballarat), Hannah Loveday, Jess Hardiman (17s)
Outs: No changes
Player to watch: Ruby Wilson – “She is so dynamic in everything she does. Her timing is perfect, her movement is amazing and she reads and directs the play well.”
Coach’s comment: “It's nice to have some depth in our side. Last year we had a good core bunch of girls but we didn't have a lot of depth and we were playing with the bare minimum every week and we are definitely looking at adding to our depth and having a good range of people in our squad.” – Mandy van Rooy
Prediction: Sixth. Big improvement year this year for the Roosters, looked promising against the reigning premiers on Good Friday. Expecting van Rooy’s side to push the top sides as they rise up the ladder.
North Warrnambool Eagles
2017 finish: Third
Ins: Kira Bussell (school)
Outs: Annie Blackburn (travelling), Sophie Chow (university), Rachel Batten.
Players to watch: “All been training well, excited to see my team play. Excited to see younger players and our division one players having a go taking the opportunity.”
Coach’s comment: “Seeing us gel and work together as a team is what I’m most looking forward to.” – Dot Jenkins
Prediction: Fifth. A development year for North as the Eagles look to strengthen their depth. They will still be strong, but with some big improvement tipped from other teams, they could drop down to fifth.
Portland
2017 finish: Ninth
Ins: Sharlie Trigg, Samantha Telfer (under 17s).
Outs: Tanaya Bannam (baby), Laura Kelly (uni), Tayla Falconer (uni), Kerri Jennings (retired), Chelsea McMahon (Port Fairy).
Player to watch: Samantha Telfer – “She will be really back to her normal playing level that she was at before her knee injury, she returned to her best.”
Coach’s comment: “Because we have had so much change there is a lot of opportunities for younger girls to experience playing at a higher Hampden level this year.” – Lauren Hockley
Prediction: Ninth. Some big losses for Hockley’s side, but the youth approach will hold the Tigers in good stead to really develop their future stars this season and build a base for future success.
Port Fairy
2017 finish: Sixth
Ins: Sarah McCorkell, Demelza Fellowes (VNL), Chelsea McMahon (Portland),
Outs: No changes
Players to watch: Younger players – “They feel like they are now a part of the senior team and make an impact at the higher level.”
Coach’s comment: “Loving the girls we have got, we have clicked really well and the new girls fit in so well and I feel that bond is going to bring success on the court.” – Sarah McCorkell
Prediction: Third. Some very big inclusions for the Seagulls should push them through a strong year and stamp their claim as a genuine premiership contender this season.
Terang Mortlake
2017 finish: 10th
Ins: Brooke Hoare (Kolora-Noorat), Georgia Martin (Hawkesdale-Macarthur), Johanna Glennen, Samantha Couch.
Outs: Laura and Anna Bourke (university), Lainey Miller (Warrnambool), Aimee Arundell.
Player to watch: Libby Moloney – “She is one of our promising defenders, is pretty versatile netballer.”
Coach’s comment: “We have a really young vibrant team that’s in a development stage and already the players are responding to me and have shown encouraging signs. I’m looking forward to seeing them development.” – Lisa Arundell
Our prediction: Eighth. Expecting the Bloods to continue building experience within their group and will only continue to improve and push higher sides as the season goes on.
Warrnambool
2017 finish: Fifth
Ins: Jessica Thwaites, Mariah Carlin (division one), Lainey Miller (Terang Mortlake)
Outs: Emma Cust (pregnancy), Chantelle Moloney (overseas), Taylah Antonio (school), Mahni Wright.
Players to watch: Amy Wormald and Sarah O’Keeffe – “Have been great and I think they will be strong this year.”
Coach’s comment: “I’m excited to see how much we can develop as a group and come together as a team.” – Raewyn Poumako
Prediction: 10th. Rebuild year for the Blues, expect new coach Poumako to implement plans to drive Warrnambool back to the top of the ladder.