Tara Murray
The pieces are starting to come together for the Gisborne Giants inaugural Riddell District Netball League A-grade team.
After having their first senior side this season in D-grade, the Giants are looking at having a full range of teams next year.
The club is set to have trials for all grades in the coming weeks, but have signed a number of key players already.
Coach AJ Craske said it was pretty exciting how it all came together.
“The first five players all know each other since they’ve started playing netball,” he said. “We wanted to take that to the Giants and have a bit of an off court connection as well.
“We’ve got a couple of other players in the wings. Early on, the A-grade squad it coming together nicely
“We’ve got trails coming up the next few weeks and we think it will all combine nicely.”
The Giants have locked in some players from all areas of the court.
Emma Winfield is the biggest name signing so far.
Winfield has been part of several under-age state netball teams and has been part of the Australian under-17 squad.
She was recently promoted to the Melbourne University Lightning’s championship team for the Victorian Netball League next season.
Olivia Craske is another that will play in the goaling circle. She has been involved at the Boroondara Express in the VNL
“Emma is our marquee signing at this point,” Craske said. “She brings a wealth of experience.
“Her and Olivia started playing together when they were 11. She’s excited for the opportunity.”
Jade Fisher will take on a leadership role in the midcourt. She has previously played with Melton Centrals.
Craske said she would be like a playing coach and help guide the side.
Jacqui Mitrevski and Emma Vitalone will be keys for the defensive end
Mitrevski is a dynamic defender known for her impressive vertical game and defensive skills.
She has represented Parkville open and Elmer region, winning a state title in 2024.
Vitalone has been playing for Melton in the Ballarat Netball League, while also playing in the Western Netball League.
Craske said they would be two key players in how the team would be put together.
While the Giants have added a number of players, Craske said there had been a lot of interest locally as well.
“We want to build with some Giants juniors,” he said. “There’s been a fair bit of interest from other clubs as well.”
The Giants first foray into senior netball was a successful one, with the D-grade side winning the RDNL premiership.
Craske said it was a massive positive for the side.
“That comes with a bit of extra publicity,” he said. “A lot of those girls will possibly have the opportunity to step up into the C-grade and B-grade ranks.
“It shows we are on the right track. We had junior representation in grand finals as well. It sets up what we want to achieve.”
