ONE of the Hampden league’s dynamic goal circle duos is ready to go head-to-head with a defensive powerhouse in a tantalising netball season opener.
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Cobden recruits Jaymie and Emily Finch will face Port Fairy inclusion Demelza Fellowes and past league best and fairest winner Carly Watson at Gardens Oval on Saturday.
Fellowes, who stands at 188 centimetres, is the competition’s big-name inclusion, having represented Australia.
The Bombers will also unveil midcourt recruits Sophie Barr and Amy Hammond, while new coach Sarah McCorkell returns to the Seagulls’ line up after a season off and ex-Portland player Chelsea McMahon makes her club debut.
Cobden coach Nadine McNamara said she was excited to see the Finch sisters, who have crossed from Camperdown, in red and black.
Fellow Bombers shooter Molly Hutt will miss with a toe injury but is expected to add to their goal scoring power in coming weeks.
“Jaymie is a paramedic in Melbourne so we will rotate,” McNamara said of fitting the trio in.
“There’s an opportunity with three goalies to have one on the bench to be an impact player.”
McNamara said she was excited to see her players battle Fellowes.
“It’s great for the competition to have Demelza come across to play,” she said.
McCorkell said Port Fairy would have an adaptable line-up with Fellowes comfortable at goal defence, goal keeper and wing defence.
She said Fellowes would be a strong influence on Watson and the remainder of the Seagulls’ emerging defenders, including those in their division one and junior ranks. Fellowes is also expected to pass her vast knowledge onto the coach.
“That is half the reason why I wanted someone of her calibre this season,” McCorkell said.
“She’ll do junior clinics throughout the season and be there to teach the defensive unit. A season of Demelza is putting an investment into Carly and Chelsea and others.”