The only thing left to do after achieving the ultimate success in sport is to defend your title.
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And South West Pirates women's volleyball coach Nic Kaiser says he is quietly confident his side can do just that at the Victorian Country Championships in Bendigo this weekend.
The Pirates broke a 10-year drought when they knocked off Latrobe Valley in straight sets during the division two final last year.
But Kaiser said the team would play division two again in 2019 given it had seen some personnel changes, with the aim of joining division one in the future.
"The combinations aren't as synced as we'd like, but the talent is really solid," he said.
"Our blocking is definitely the biggest weapon.
"But I think the fact we're a newer side could also be an advantage given most teams are similar each year."
The South West Pirates women's team includes Cheree McKean (captain), Emily Thomas, Destiny Kelly, Izzy Rix, Bridget Arden, Morgan Edge, Gabby Lougheed, Geena Van Vugt and Bella Van Vugt.
"The most rewarding part for me as coach has been the way the athletes listen and implement new things," Kaiser said.
"They're not afraid to learn and achieve more."
South West Pirates men's coach Tom Beks said his side would be out to avenge last year's division two final loss to Horsham.
"Hopefully we can bring home the chocolates this time," he said.
"But I would be even happier with good signs of growth in the team."
The men's team is made up of Beks, James Holland (captain), Daniel Hand, Michael Painter, Haydn Stutchbury, Tom Stanfield, Tristan Gibbs and Brandon Gibbs.
"We've got a pretty young side with most players under 30 for the first time in a while, making it a good time to start afresh and sort a few things out," Beks said.
"We're a very high-energy team, but we've got plenty of height too.
"The ultimate goal would be to play division one."
Both sides will wear green shoelaces to support local group Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Warrnambool.
"It's a great cause to get behind," Beks said.
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