Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket finds itself in a different position heading into the Riddell District Netball League season.
After a successful season last year in which the club played in its first A-grade finals series and then first A-grade grand final, the Hawks enter a season for the first time as one of the teams to beat.
Hawks playing coach Meg Grbac said it was exciting heading into this season.
“Last year we had a relatively new side,” she said.
“We want to continue to grow and develop and we’re not starting from scratch this year which is really good.
“We’re pretty similar to last year. A few players have moved on and we’ve had a few holes to fill, but it’s a similar line up to last year and we’ve continued to grow, which is an awesome thing.”
Grbac said they had some really good numbers across all four grades, with a lot of new girls through the ranks.
Several of the under-19s players have stepped up into the higher grades which is exciting.
For the A-grade side, Grbac said one of the most exciting things was the return of Abby Gilmore from injury.
The goaler, who joined the club last season, ruptured her achilles in round three and missed the rest of the season.
“Abby should be back for round one,” she said. “We’re super excited for her to come back.
“It’s good for Abs and the club, we’re so excited after losing her in week three.
“It’s not just her skills, but also her bubbly personality.”
Grbac said for the group they were looking forward to the new challenge of being one of the teams to beat.
She said they were keen to see success across the club.
“It’s very different, but it is really a positive thing,” she said. “Hopefully we can go well and we have a big focus on some success across all four grades.
“The 19s did brilliantly last season and the A-grade side also. We’ve got a whole club approach and would love to see the C and B-grade and football continue to grow on the field.”
The Hawks start their season on Good Friday against Riddell.
This year the matches will be held at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Grbac said it was a good thing for the club.
“It’s good to kick things off,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the club to host the game and it’s a great opportunity for them and we support it.”
