By Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket is hoping to continue the momentum of this year into next year’s Riddell District Netball League season.
The Hawks had one of their best years in a number of seasons, including the under-19 side becoming the first senior Hawks side to make a grand final.
Throw in their under-17s making a preliminary final and their under-15s winning a premiership last year and the future is bright for the Hawks.
Hawks netball manager Kellie Duff said it was all about continuing what they had been doing.
Duff said all the indications are that the majority of players are returning to the club next season, while several possible new players have expressed interest in joining.
She said several under-17s would move into under-19s, while some under-19s would just play senior netball next year.
The Hawks will hold netball trials on November 20 and 22 for under-15s through to A-grade.
Wendy Roberts will again coach the A and B grade sides, while Anne-Louise Lindner, who coached the under-19s, will coach the C-grade side. Duff will coach the under-19s.
The A-grade side won four games last year, which was an improvement on recent years.
Duff said there were signs that they were closing the gap with the top sides.
“We played some really good experienced teams that were much older and we were competitive for a lot of the game.
“The majority of our losses were under 20 goals. Three to four years ago, we were flogged by 60 to 70 goals.
“There’s a lot of growth and development in this team. The average age of the A-grade side was 19.”
Duff said she expected to see further improvement next year, with many girls just focusing on playing A-grade instead of playing two games every Saturday. She said she expected them to flourish and be able to run out games better. “A few of our under-19 girls will be aging out and will solely be playing in the senior ranks.
“Many of these girls were playing two games on Saturday. We were in games until half time or three quarter time in A-grade before getting blown away.
“Those girls had already played seven quarters.
“The playing group is really excited about the future.” Several players were recognised individually. Sarah Duff won the senior RDNL rising star award and was runner-up in the under-17 league best and fairest award. Brittany Bowen finished runner-up in the under-19 best and fairest award. To register for the trials, go to goo.gl/FPTpp9. Registrations close November 16.
For more details contact Kellie on 0419 535 062.
MORE RDNL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rockbank-a-good-fit-for-new-coach-and-club/
