Going into the 2016 Bendigo Netball League season, Kyneton decided to take a different approach to the previous 12 months.
After focusing on making finals last season only to lose, the Tigers are now taking it one week at a time.
Coach Karlie Plowman says the approach seems to be working as the Tigers won their first three games.
On Saturday, they suffered their first loss, 57-39 to Maryborough.
“It’s a more relaxed approach and we’re keeping expectations a lot lower,” Plowman said.
“This year we’re looking at taking it quarter by quarter and match by match and playing the game for fun.
“We’ve started well, but we’re mindful we had a similar start last season.”
Despite the low-key approach, the side has been playing some brilliant netball.
“They have played some really intense netball early on and come out of the blocks quickly,” Plowman said.
“They’ve set the pace of games and got control in the first quarter. We’re hoping to stick with what we’re doing now throughout the season.”
A key advantage for the team this year has been stability on and off the court.
It’s Plowman’s second year as A-grade coach after coming on board late last year.
“There’s been a lot more time to plan and get my head around things,” she said.
“We’re a lot more settled than last year and we couldn’t be happier with the start to the season.”
Kyneton has managed to keep its 2015 A-grade squad intact.
“Every player has returned and we’ve had another girl, Ashlee Lawrence, come to us at the start of the season.
“She approached us as her partner is now playing football at the club. It turns out she’s an amazing player who’s great to watch.
“I got the girls to play in a midweek competition in Gisborne before the season. They really enjoyed it and started match-fit.”
It’s not just the top side going well, Kyneton’s A-reserve, B-grade and B-reserve teams have settled well into the season.
“I’m most excited about the under-17s,” Plowman said. “It’s the first time they’ve ever been in the top five. Alisha Turner has coached them the past few years and done a good job.”
Gisborne’s season has had a slow start, with just one win from its first four rounds. On Saturday, it lost to Sandhurst, 57-40.
