Merrivale youngster Eliza Ljubic says there's been a different feel among her much-improved team this Warrnambool and District league season.
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The Tigers play Dennington in a qualifying final on Saturday, after finishing second on the ladder.
Ljubic said she was looking forward to the final at DC Farran Oval.
"We had a very young team last year, it's a big difference compared to this year," she said.
"The feeling at training is different with the older girls being there."
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Ljubic said her A grade team last year, which finished ninth last season, was made up of numerous girls from her 17 and under side.
But how times have changed.
Experienced campaigners Cloe Pulling, Nicole Ferguson and Chantelle Moloney returned after missing 2018.
And the Tigers secured some boom recruits.
Not only did they get playing coach Carly Peake, they got goalies Millie Mahony from Koroit and Tanaya Harradine from Allansford.
Peake has won six senior premierships playing with Koroit.
Ljubic, who played as a goalie last season, has learnt to play wing attack this year.
"It's been different but good to learn to play a new position," she said.
"Especially having Carly and Elisha (Sobey), who sometimes play in the centre.
"It's also good to play alongside Chantelle Moloney."
Ljubic said her experienced teammates provided on-court leadership.
"It's good to have the direction on the court," she said.
The young gun said she valued her 2018 experience.
"Having that experience of playing last year, made me feel comfortable again this year," she said.
The Emmanuel College Year 12 student is glad she played A grade last season rather than wait until this year.
She put in a good season, sharing the Tigers' A grade best and fairest with teammate Tatum Cassidy.
Ljubic, no stranger to finals, was part of South Warrnambool's 16 and under premiership in 2017.
She also played in Merrivale's 17 and under finals series last year.
"It's exiting to be a part of finals," she said.
"It's just a completely different game."
The 18-year-old said Peake had been a great addition to the Tigers.
She said the approachable first-year coach was helping her with her game at wing attack.
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