The hunger is strong in the Sunbury Lions as they enter a new season of the Ballarat Netball League.
Having played in the past three grand finals, including successive losses, the Lions could perhaps be forgiven for easing up a little.
But captain Beck Anstey says the Lions are again looking to be among the top teams despite having a slightly different line-up.
“Absolutely not,” she said when asked if the team’s expectations would differ from those of recent years.
“I think our defence and mid-court are pretty strong and we’re still doing some recruiting at the attacking end.
“There’s no reason why we can’t be competitive again. I want to finish in the top six and hopefully the top three.”
The A-grade team will start the season without a coach, with former Yarra Valley Ariels Grammar division 1 coach Karen Meredith to come on board later in the season.
“We thought Karen would be a good fit for us and we’re holding out for her,” Anstey said. “She has coached most of us at Ariels and is familiar with us. She’ll likely join us in about August.”
Anstey, a key player, will be joined by Prue Stanley, Kate Fletcher and Katelyn Begeley.
Monique Clark, who was best on court in the A-reserve grand final win last year, will step up a grade.
The experienced Lauren Gilchrist will again switch between the top two grades.
“We will look to make sure we’ve got at least eight players each Saturday and will draw on players from the lower grades if we have to,” Anstey said.
Anstey said the club was still speaking with star goalshooter Chloe Curran about fitting in some Lions games around her Victorian Netball league commitments.
It’s the shooting end of the court, where the Lions are still hoping to add a couple of players.
“We had Hope [Evans] signed up and she has pulled the pin and gone back to Romsey,” Anstey said.
“It’s disappointing and has really put us behind the eight-ball as a result.
“We’re focused on getting a couple more players for the attacking end and hopefully have them on board in the next few weeks.”
The Lions will host a sportsmen’s night on Friday, March 18.
Former AFL star Luke Darcy and former Australian basketballer Chris Anstey will speak at the event at Keilor Park.
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Tara Murray
