By David Nagel
Only a worldwide pandemic could stop Tooradin-Dalmore from winning a remarkable fourth premiership in four years in 2020.
The burning question now is – Who is going to stop them from winning their fourth in five years this time around?
The Seagulls have been one of the great rags-to-riches sports stories over the last five years, dragging themselves, inch-by-inch, out of a massive hole that saw them record a winless season in the now defunct SEFNL competition in 2015.
The recruitment of a new head coach in Kelly Andrews, and some talented players, saw the Gulls rise to prominence in 2016 before finally conquering the mountain and winning their first premiership in 11 years in 2017.
The Seagulls went back-to-back the following year in SEFNL before turning their attention to the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC).
The Seagulls prevailed again, winning B and C grade as well, to stamp themselves as the dominant force in West Gippsland netball.
“It’s a lot more fun, winning than losing, but I do love an underdog and the challenge for us now is to stay there,” Andrews said about her club’s lofty ambitions.
“The last 12 months has gone quick I think and it was almost nice to have a year off, to have a break, but everyone is super keen to get back in to it now and it is nice to renew that passion for netball once again.
“There are lots of people keen to get on the court in the red and green again and they’re all looking really sharp.”
The Seagulls have further strengthened their club with a D Grade team this year, meaning a slight alteration to their coaching staff. Andrews remains coach of A grade, with Alex Duff and Sara Duncan looking after B and C grade respectively, while Stacey Sawyer will take on the role as the D grade mentor.
Throw in some new faces and there’s a fresh and vibrant feel about Westernport Oval at the moment.
“We’ve got a lot of returning players and a few new girls that have come in and slotted in to all grades,” Andrews said.
“And we’ve had four 17 and under players come in as well which doesn’t always happen so the junior program is looking very strong as well.”
The Seagulls A grade additions include midcourter Chloe Crouch, who made a strong first impression against Kooweerup on Saturday, and Zoe Coventry, who is up from the 17s and someone Andrews describes as a ‘gun’.
But the challengers are coming thick and fast, and nobody understands that more than the coach.
“Dalyston is definitely a danger and a team we have a lot of respect for,” Andrews said.
“I said when we beat them in the grand final that they’re a young, strong group so they are going to continually challenge us. Where we have a more mature group so that will be interesting to see how that plays out. They’re looking really good.
“And we always struggle against Korumburra, they match us really nicely against us as well.”
One team that is hoping to climb the ladder this year is Cora Lynn, with coach Allan Douglas expecting an even stronger competition than previous seasons.
“I think the competition will be a lot closer this year, some players have moved on but some clubs like ours have stuck together and those that have stuck together will come up,” Douglas explained.
“I don’t think there will be any easy beats so it should be a lot tighter competition this year. All the teams should be competitive across the board.”
Douglas said it was nice to put behind the coaching challenges associated with Covid-19.
“As much as you try you do lose contact with your players,” he said.
“We did a lot of zoom meetings, things like that, but after six months you just get sick of it and realise there’s nothing like the real thing. Most of the clubs were in a similar position I think but we’re all excited to be back on the court.
“People have struggled in different ways and found other things to do so I think it has had an impact on the numbers at some clubs, particularly through the junior numbers. Hopefully those players will come back and by next year we will be back to normal.”
Douglas is hoping his Cobras’ team will improve after keeping his core group together.
“This is our third year together, I’ve coached them all the way through, and they’ve gone from an average age of 21 to 24 so there’s natural growth and progression there I think.
“They get along really well together and they’re a very united team and they push each other really hard. I’m expecting to push towards finals this year.”
And his tip for this year’s premiership is hardly a surprise.
“Tooradin, without a doubt, is the team to beat, but after that there are a few teams that might surprise,” he said.
“I like Warragul. They’ve shown some really positive signs and if they have been able to retain all their players, they might be the dark horse. Dalyston will be up there as always and then it’s pretty open from there.”
