Merrivale young gun Maya Netherway says her team has the belief to give reigning premier Nirranda a shake in the Warrnambool and District league on Saturday.
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It would be an amazing turnaround if the in-form Tigers could upset the Blues given they lost to Nirranda by 48 and 53 goals in 2018.
But Merrivale, which finished ninth last season, isn't the team it was and has already beaten last year's runner-up Dennington and 2018 finalist Russells Creek.
Netherway, who was part of the A grade side last season, said it was exciting to be part of the Tigers' rise.
"It's probably a bit of shock being so strong all of sudden," she said.
"It's a good vibe, the intensity at training has been different to what it has been over the years."
The 20-year-old said she was the oldest player in the A grade side for part of the 2018 season.
She said the return of players and the addition of recruits had given the Tigers a lift.
Merrivale added Cloe Pulling (returning), Nicole Ferguson (returning), Chantelle Moloney (returning), Millie Mahony (Koroit) and Tanaya Harradine (Allansford) to its side during the off-season.
The young Tiger said they added plenty of experience to the group and provided "good guidance on court" and at training.
Netherway, an environmental trainee at Warrnambool City Council, said new coach Carly Peake had also been an important influence on the group.
"Carly has been teaching many good things at training and I've been taking them all on board," she said.
"Probably a lot better than I have over other seasons.
"This year I've had more time to concentrate on netball now that I'm out of school."
Peake brought an impressive resume to the club after playing in six premierships with Hampden league juggernaut Koroit.
She co-coached the Saints to a 2018 premiership win over Cobden.
Netherway said Peake also drew on her basketball background when coaching netball.
"She's probably brought a lot of basketball skills into our netball," she said.
The youngster said Peake, a former Warrnambool Mermaid, sometimes used basketball terminology.
Just like the Tigers, Netherway is improving her game and was promoted to the A grade side for its 10-goal win against South Rovers in round five.
Peake said she earned her promotion after impressing in the A reserve.
"She was a stand out in the reserves in the first few rounds," Peake said.
The Tigers mentor said the young gun provides her team with drive and would play against the Blues in A grade on Saturday.
Netherway can play in a variety positions on court and enjoys playing centre.
Taking on the Blues at the Nirranda Recreation Reserve will be the Tigers' biggest challenge yet.
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