East Warrnambool's A grade side has transformed during the off-season with a host of recruits to take the court in the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bombers will play their first match of the season against Allansford after having the bye in round one.
New coach Donna Chatfield said she was thrilled to welcome two fresh faces to her side in the past month - Lena Wright (Allansford) and Bridget Hampton (Geelong Amateurs).
MORE NETBALL
Chatfield said Wright, 18, won the Cats' best and fairest last year and can switch between goals and the mid-court.
"She is a beautiful player with a lot of potential," she said.
The first-year mentor said Hampton was another handy addition.
"She is an amazing player," Chatfield said.
"Another versatile player."
Chatfield said Hampton would play on Saturday but Wright may not as she waits for her registration to go through.
Regardless, Hampton will be joined on court by the Bombers' other recruits Brooke Southwell (Caramut), Sarah Horsfield, Merinda Ugle-Hagan (Allansford) and Aimee McSween (Russells Creek).
Chatfield said Horsfield was a player to watch in her side this season.
"She's driven and she doesn't stop," she said.
"Beautiful to watch and reads the play well."
Meanwhile, Chatfield has promoted A reserve player Ivy Clark to the top side.
"She's a nice tall defender," she said.
Chatfield, who captained Allansford's A grade side last season, faces her old team in the Bombers' opening encounter.
The playing coach said she may coach from the sideline on Saturday due to an Achilles injury.
But she has faith in her team to play well without her.
"I couldn't be more confident in my girls," she said.
"I'm really happy with my recruits and who I've got."
Chatfield said pre-season was a major success with the club attracting big numbers to netball training.
"It's the first time in a while we have a full A grade side," she said.
She said she had ten players to choose from who are capable of playing in the top grade.
Chatfield said Hannah Williams is the only regular A grade player from last year still in the top team this season.
She said the only player she lost from last year's side was Alana Rahui, who departed for Panmure.
The East Warrnambool coach said she hoped her girls could put their hard work at training into practice against Allansford.
She said she was both nervous and excited to take on her former team.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.