Woodend-Hesket may have suffered a big loss at the weekend, but its season so far has been a success.
Confronted by reigning premiers Riddell on Saturday, the Hawks were never really in the game, losing 62-22 to an undermanned Bombers.
Madeline Staresina was the Hawks’ best in their loss.
The Hawks are now 2-3 after the first five matches, the same amount of wins they had all last season.
But coach Kellie Duff said the early form was a little better than expected.
“We’ve always said this year was not so much on wins, but a main focus to get the club culture heading in the right direction,” she said. “With a lot of new structures for the club and players, we’re happy with two wins.”
Duff could be excused for being surprised by the early form – late in the off season the Hawks struggled to fill all four teams.
“We’ve got some old players back … and also promoted some players into higher grades,” Duff said.
“A lot of the past players who have come back haven’t played for four or five years, so they’re playing in the B and C-grade sides.
“With that, we’ve had to push some girls up into higher grades.”
Duff said a couple of the younger girls were shining in their new roles in the A-grade side.
“Brittany Bowen has come up from the under-19s; she’s still young enough to play in the under-17s,” Duff said.
“It’s a great opportunity for her to play seniors.
“Georgia Fearn is another out of the under-19s; we’ve given her an opportunity to play seniors some weeks.”
Duff said there was a good vibe around the club, with the relationship between the netballers and footballers continuing to grow.
In a boost for the netballers, their court was upgraded in the off season, which means they can play all their home games at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
“All the girls are training as one big squad and, later, we break into our teams to work on structures,” Duff said.
“There’s been a couple of bonding sessions and the girls are getting along really well.
“We’re happy with the team,” she said.
“The wins will come in years to come.”
In other results, Rupertswood remains undefeated after a hard-fought win against Romsey. The Sharks led at every break to finish the game 47-38.
Macedon smashed Wallan, with Tara Burnip scoring 63 goals in the 90-15 win, while Melton Centrals were too good for Diggers Rest and Lancefield beat Broadford.
