HAMPDEN White assistant coach Pam Davis expects the Western Regional State League season to be an even competition.
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Davis will work alongside South Warrnambool’s Leah Kermeen mentoring Hampden Football Netball League’s 11-member White squad.
HFNL has entered four teams in the pre-season tournament, with a Hampden Green combination also in the eight-team open section and Hampden Green and Warrnambool City part of a seven-team 17 and under competition.
Davis said late withdrawals were the only negative entering the annual tournament, which starts on January 17 and runs until March.
“It’s pleasing the senior side has a good blend of young players, as well as experience,” she said.
“I think they will both be competitive. The Colac team is a bit unsighted, whereas Camperdown, Cobden and Port Fairy, you know all their players.”
Davis said state league would benefit youngsters Ruby Wilson, Carly Pulling, Indi Morrison and Hannah Oates.
Hampden Green player Stacey O’Sullivan agrees.
“This year there have been a few senior players not able to play so there are juniors coming up which is nice,” she said. “The young ones have lots of enthusiasm and take what you throw at them so it’s exciting to see how they will go.”
O’Sullivan could miss up to four weeks with a knee injury, while Kate Dobson is also scheduled to miss the first half of the season.
Gabrielle Brown is another in doubt for some matches with boxing commitments.
Round one draw: open, 8pm, Hampden Green v Hampden White, Port Fairy v Camperdown Night, Cobden and District v Colac and District, 9.15pm Warrnambool and District v Timboon Night. 17 and under, 6.45pm, Camperdown Night v Hampden Green, Terang and District Night v Warrnambool and District, Hampden Red v Warrnambool City.