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That is the thinking of Hampden open grade netball coach Nadine McNamara heading into the June 25 Netball Victoria Association Championships.
The HFNL – with the help of independent selector Steph Townsend, who coaches Warranmbool and District side Nirranda –this week announced the 12-woman team which will take on the state’s best in Melbourne.
McNamara was thrilled with the line-up that was chosen after two trial sessions, which were open for all interested netballers to attend, while some were personally invited.
“I think there’s strength across the court,” McNamara said.
“I think it’s a really fantastic opportunity for all our players to test themselves at a higher league.
“A lot of the girls don’t get the experience (of competing against other leagues), so I’m really excited for them.
“I really believe we are one of the strongest leagues in Victoria, so it’ll be interesting to see how we go.”
The experienced head of North Warrnambool Eagles’ playing co-coach Elisha Carter will lead the way through the midcourt, while reigning league best and fairest Carly Watson is among a host of dynamic defenders.
At the goaling end, Camperdown sisters Jaymie and Emily Finch and Port Fairy’s Emily Forrest have earnt selection, while Koroit star Nell Mitchell – who is averaging 40 goals a game – is also set to take the court.
As well as Hampden’s goaling options, it boasts a defence that can rotate through various roles, including pushing into wing defence if need be.
McNarmara said a team of versatile players, capable of playing multiple positions, had been selected to ensure Hampden could be adaptable against unknown opponents.
“They can play two or three positions, which is very handy in a tournament like this,” she said.
More than 220 Victorian netball associations and leagues compete across the Netball Victoria Association Championships, which feature open, 17 and under, 15 and under and 13 and under competitions.
The June 25 event will be held at the State Netball Hockey Centre.
The 2017 HFNL Netball Victoria Association Championships team:
Alicia Blain, Jessica Wheadon, Remeny McCann (Cobden), Emily Finch, Jaymie Finch, Brooke Richardson (Camperdown), Elisha Carter, Kate O’Meara, Jordyn Billings (North Warrnambool Eagles), Emily Forrest, Carly Watson (Port Fairy), Nell Mitchell (Koroit).
Emergencies: Emily Kermeen (Hamilton Kangaroos), Rachael Ryan (North Warrnambool Eagles).