Nirranda will welcome back captain Katie Ryan for its grand final rematch against Dennington on Saturday in the Warrnambool and District league.
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The goal defence, who was away on holidays last Saturday, will bring plenty of experience to the Blues' back-court in her first match of the season.
Coach Steph Townsend said it was great to have her team's leader back.
"She'll be a really nice inclusion in our defensive end," she said.
Townsend said Ryan may also play through the mid-court this season.
But the Dogs are in hot-form after winning their first two matches.
Townsend said it was good to face some of the league's best teams in the early rounds.
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She said it helped give her an idea of where her team was at.
"It's always nice to have tough battles early on in the season," she said.
The Blues mentor said she looked forward to the Dogs clash.
"Dennington are a quality side," she said.
"You never know what you're going to get, they're such a versatile team.
"We've got to focus on our style of play and honing some skills we want to execute well."
Townsend said New Zealand-recruit Anna Archie had made a great start to the season against Old Collegians.
"She starred," she said.
"I thought she was one of our best."
Nirranda beat Dennington by 13 goals (53-40) in last year's grand final.
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