Gisborne Giants’ first full Riddell District Netball League season is seen as a success.
After winning a premiership with their only side last season, the Giants had five teams this season.
Four of the Giants five sides made finals this season, including its A-grade side.
Giants coach AJ Craske said it was an amazing first year and were proud of what they achieved.
“From an A-grade point of view, it was a pass mark to make finals,” he said.
“To finish third behind a couple of powerhouses in Woodend-Hesket and Riddell and we got a win over Riddell.
“We’re absolutely rapt with the season and we still have three sides in finals and we shift all our focus to start looking at next year.”
While they finished in third spot, the Giants A-grade side was knocked out in the first week of finals by Wallan.
Craske said the absence of skipper Jade Fisher who broke her ankle in the last home and away game was a big loss.
Craske said it was really exciting for the club as their under-19s made finals.
“We called up some players to the senior ranks to bring them through,” he said.
“There were some under-17s players in the side. There’s depth in the club and we had five junior sides make grand finals and we won four junior premierships.
“We’re pretty keen to develop the exciting talent and we’re excited to see what we can do to add to the depth.”
The Giants have already started re-signing players for next season.
Craske said with a season under their belt their keen to bring some more players into the program.
“A-grade will be open for opportunities for others to come through,” he said. “Things are shaping up well.
“We’ve had a couple of conversations [with existing players] and there will be a few more in the next few weeks to see what it will look like.
“Then there will be the trial stage and we’ll see who else comes.”
