Gisborne Giants are more than happy with their start to life in the Riddell District Netball League.
It’s a season of unknowns for the Giants with their first A-grade netball side, but they have shown really positive signs early on and sit in the middle of the pack after seven rounds.
Giants coach AJ Craske said he was really pleased with how it was all going so far.
“We didn’t know what to expect in year one,” he said. “It’s been a good showing in the first seven rounds.
“We’re pretty happy. It was difficult to know where we would sit. We knew we had put together a good side and there’s some juniors who have come through the club.
“We’ve been competitive and are on the right side of the ledger.”
Craske said they’d had their challenges with injuries and availability but it had opened up opportunities for others to step up.
He said they’d had more players step up than what they were expecting heading into the season.
“We got others into the squad and have more than adjusted,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for the likes of Zoe Kucic and Holly Mason.
“Niamh Rosendale has been on the cusp. There’s been a couple of young ones floating around us and giving us a chop out when needed.”
Among those who have missed games is Emma Winfield, who is part of the Melbourne Vixens reserves side.
Craske said it’s exciting for her and it was about managing her commitments.
On Saturday, the Giants had a really strong performance against Diggers Rest, winning 50-36.
After leading by just two goals at half time, the Giants got going in the second half to run away with it.
Rosendale finished with 28 goals for the Giants.
Leona Hristovska shot 23 goals for the Burras.
Craske said there were still a number of unknowns in the competition having not played every side yet.
The Giants sit in fifth spot with four wins and three losses.
“We have a little bit of an idea now of what is coming and something to look at,” he said.
“We’re in the middle of the top and we want to stay there, thereabouts and be competitive, week in week out.
“We want to achieve our best each week.”
Craske said things were looking really good across their whole netball program and getting the whole community involved.
In other A-grade matches, Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Lancefield, winning 57-35.
Rebecca Hicks shot 37 goals for the Hawks.
Melton Centrals come from behind against Romsey to win 64-52 and Wallan beat Melton South, 57-25.
Kyneton, Macedon and Riddell had byes.
