PORT FAIRY unearthed a new side to former Hampden league open netball best and fairest Carly Watson.
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First-year coach Rhiannon Cuomo switched the 2016 champion from defence into goal attack for the Seagulls' six-goal opening round win over South Warrnambool at Gardens Oval.
The 20-year-old repaid the faith of her new mentor by slotting 20 goals in the 38 to 32 victory on Saturday.
Cuomo said Watson proved to be a handy addition to her side's attacking end alongside Chelsea McMahon (seven goals) and Ash Evans (11).
"I think Carly is fantastic and obviously she can play both ends of the court," she said.
"Her speed and dynamic speed in the circle is something we lacked a bit during the pre-season so we thought we would give Carly a shot in there and she has really flourished and she did a good job today."
The playing-mentor said the premiership Seagull could spend more time there this season.
"We have a few options that we are going to try and work through in the next couple of weeks and see what combos work and go from there," she said.
Ally O'Connor, who stood in in the absence of South Warrnambool coach Mandy van Rooy, said the Roosters had plenty of positives to take out of the tough defeat.
"We have so many combinations and so many young guns coming into the group which can play anywhere and we have so much versatility," she said.
"Just having all those girls that can go anywhere is a real bonus for us. Isabella Rea is definitely one of them, she was best on court for us today, she is just so fluent and moves so smoothly throughout the court.
"Meg Kelson, who was playing her first A grade game in goals and just made a name for herself, is one as well and Ally Mellblom also did well in her first game."
Jess Hardiman was the Roosters' top shooter as she finished with 22 goals.
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