The Blues went into their round one encounter against South Rovers without recruits Meagan Forth and Jo and Sam Couch who were unavailable.

Townsend, a goalie, explained she and goal keeper Lisa Anders also had falls during the opening round match which meant they spent time on the sidelines in the 68-20 win.

Paige Haberfield and Claudia Dean, who play A reserve, stepped up.

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Haberfield played under the goals and added a couple to the Blues' total while Dean came on for Anders in the final quarter.

The coach added Forth and Sam Couch had some niggles in practice matches and wouldn't be rushed back.

She said she would see how they pulled up from training this week.

A recruit who played round one was former Merrivale netballer, Chantelle Moloney, who was centre and wing defence.

"She was exceptional, she found her feet very quickly and slotted right in," Townsend said.

Moloney's adaptability impressed her new coach.

"We haven't been training much with her in centre so for me to be able to throw her in the deep end a little bit - it was quite pleasing that she was able to adapt to that," Townsend said.

The 2018 premiership coach explained it was a move she had thought about during pre-season.

Townsend's glad she put it to the test as she now knows she has another midcourt option.

The Blues leader also praised wing attack Lisa Couch's movement on court and passing into the goal circle on Saturday.

Nirranda faces Allansford in round two in its first home game of the season.

The young Cats are coming off a win against Kolora-Noorat and have this year been bolstered by the likes of recruits Asha Roche and Cassie Jewell from Melbourne.

Coach Bridget Foster said Hannah McGowan, Sophie Bellman and Tessa Jewell were unavailable last week so Allansford may have some inclusions this week.

Townsend said she was looking forward to the match ups and feels it will be a good battle for the Blues.

The coach said getting everyone playing as one and executing skills well was the immediate focus for her group which has numerous new faces compared to 2019.

Kolora-Noorat hosts Merrivale on Saturday, Old Collegians battles Panmure, South Rovers meets Russells Creek and Timboon Demons play Dennington in other round two clashes.

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