By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
SEASON PREVIEW – 2018
BEACONSFIELD is in a very strong position heading into their opening round clash with a new look Berwick, and under new coach Kelly Wilson, are expected to once again be in the premiership window after a terrific pre-season. As one of the most supremely proud and successful clubs in the last decade, the Eagles would be stung by their painful 31-33 semi-final loss to Cranbourne last year at Edwin Flack Reserve, and will be desperate to make amends and go one step further than a fourth placed finish.
Down at BERWICK in 2018, and with highly credentialed coach Robynn Pym taking on the reigns, the Wickers are certainly a side to keep an eye on. Pym has made a strong focus on forming a strong playing leadership group, made up of both junior and seniors, all with the aim of developing its club for the future. Pym; one of Victoria’s most respected coaches; has coaches successfully at VNL and state level; and is noted for her professionalism and development of young talent. But this season, the Wickers have managed to bring in some quality to their squad, recruiting Kassidy Withers from the VNL, Brittany Pym and Taylah Butterworth.
CRANBOURNE are going to be a side that may just threaten Tooradin-Dalmore’s crown as the reigning premiers. Under coach Donna Wilson, the Eagles are an exciting group, and one that has had a sublime pre-season. Wilson has brought in some handy players, such as Kayla Wilson and Tegan Robinson, but identified Steph Ryan as someone who can really dominant the centre this season. Batting a back injury last season, the fit, fast and dynamic centre is probably 90 per cent fitter than last year, making her a player that can propel them forward if she can stay on the court.
Down at DOVETON, the Doves are certainly building an exciting squad on the court. Expect much of the same from the Doves this year, who will be looking to go that one step further and make a genuine play at the premiership. With coach Liz Edwards going on again, stability could be the key for her squad, who are starting to gel and play plenty of netball together. But the sting of the elimination final loss to Cranbourne last season will leave a bitter taste in their mouth, and they will be desperate to get not only back into the finals again, but start the season with a bit of a bang.
There is certainly going to be some expectation for NARRE WARREN this season. Under new coaches Sharon Phillips and Richard Hammond, the Magpies will however look different this year, as they look to blood some of their most talented youngsters. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t challenge Tooradin-Dalmore despite going through a transitional period, as they now view themselves as the underdog of the competition. The Magpies are blessed with such fantastic talent, but have still lost some quality types in Taylor Shannon, Leigh Taylor and Gabrielle Dwyer, but will be confident they have enough depth to cover their losses.
ROC is keeping one eye firmly on the future when planning for their A-Grade season, with Sharon Hook planning on injecting as many games as she can into her youngsters. Focusing on height in key positions, as well as a reshuffle of the mid court, the Kangaroos are certainly going to be a new look squad, and have enjoyed an extremely strong pre-season. There is still plenty of maturity around the group which will ensure they remain competitive and in the finals mix, namely in their skipper Melaine Overdyk, and they have also welcomed in Sara Villiers, Alisha Young and Zoe Callanan, who are all likely A-Grade starters.
Down at PAKENHAM, the Lions will just need to regain their competitive spirit in 2018. Under coach Karen Meredith, the Lions had a tough 2017, failing to win a game on the court. But this year provides a different challenge for her squad, who will be looking to capitalize on a strong pre-season with some handy new recruits. The Lions have brought in some solid players in Lauren Wenn, Lorna Clark and Taylor Dykstra, all who will have an immediate impact in the A-Grade side, and that should make them a more competitive team to face. Meredith identified Clark as a player to be excited about, with the mid-court star a tall and athletic prospect for the Lions. Meredith also praised Kate McGowan’s immense leadership around the group this pre-season.
TOORADIN-DALMORE; the reigning premiers; are showing no signs of slowing down, and are well and truly on track to defend its premiership title. While they are no guarantee to once again blitz the competition, the Gulls have had a seamless pre-season, and are hungry and hell bent on staying ahead of the race. Tara Smith’s return to the squad will only add to the Gulls’ impressive depth, with Andrews identifying her as a player with speed and immense smarts around goals, something that will make them even more potent.
