Warrnambool and District league fans have heavily backed one side to regain their A grade crown this season.
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Nirranda was The Standard's readers' top pick to win the 2021 A grade flag in the 2021 WDFNL netball survey.
The Blues, who narrowly lost to Merrivale in 2019 after claiming a drought-breaking premiership in 2018, attracted 49 per cent of votes.
Reigning champions Merrivale garnered 20 per cent of votes while Russells Creek got 11 per cent.
The trio were followed by Panmure, Timboon Demons, South Rovers, Old Collegians and Allansford. Dennington and Kolora-Noorat received no votes.
The Blues were also heavily backed to finish on top of the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season.
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Steph Townsend's side attracted 52 per cent of the vote to finish as minor premiers and get the first week of finals off.
Merrivale, who is aiming for back-to-back premierships under new coach Elisha Sobey, was the next heavily backed side to claim top spot with 18 per cent of the vote.
Panmure, Russells Creek, Allansford, Kolora-Noorat and Timboon Demons followed the Tigers.
The Bulldogs have been the readers' favourite to be the most improved side in 2021. They attracted 47 per cent of the vote.
Josie Ellerton is leading the club's top grade side and has a host of recruits from 2020 in Jess Rohan, Lisa Pender and Abby Sheehan ready to make an impact.
Russells Creek was tipped by 16 per cent of readers to be the most improved side.
Timboon Demons, Old Collegians, Allansford, Nirranda, Merrivale, South Rovers and Dennington also attracted votes.
Eighty-eight per cent of readers believe no team will go through the season undefeated with 12 per cent believing a club had a chance.
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Returning Nirranda midcourter Jo Couch, Merrivale playing coach Elisha Sobey and Panmure recruit Jess Rohan were popular choices to win the Wilma Wallace Medal.
Cloe Pulling (Merrivale), Steph Townsend (Nirranda), Mandy Van Rooy and Rachel Alderson (Old Collegians) also received votes.
Old Collegians' Chelsea Quinn was backed to be the most prolific goalie this season.
Merrivale's Millie Mahony was also tipped to have a strong year in the shooting circle.
Russells Creek's Charlotte van der Starre was a popular choice to be this year's rising star in the A grade.
South Rovers Zahra Walker and Lena Wright, Panmure's Bailee Overweter and Matilda Ryan, Russells Creek's Ash Ferguson and Paige Bell are also tipped for breakout years, according to readers.
The Warrnambool and District league returns after a year off, due to the coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation of season 2020.
Old Collegians and Merrivale on Good Friday, which is a round four match, kicks off the season this week.
All teams will be back in action in round one on April 10.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
