Lancefield had an easy win over Woodend-Hesket on Saturday in its first Riddell District Netball League match of the season.
It was an even performance across all four quarters for the Tigers, who shot at least 20 goals in each quarter in the 81-33 win.
Before the match, Tigers coach Alan Watson said he was excited to see what his side would produce this season after strong recruiting in the off season.
“We’ve been lucky enough to pick up some VNL (Victorian Netball League) players and been able to retain a lot of players,” Watson said.
“We’ve added height, pace and skill to the squad. With all the changes we’ve made I think we’re 50-60 per cent stronger.
“If we can get them all on the court at the one time it will be a very strong line-up.”
Among those who joined the club were Maddi Wallmeyer, Anice Scherer, Tahnysha Salanoa, Ashlea Hyatt and star shooter Stacey Gannon, who all have VNL experience.
They join Taylah Watson, Savaii Williams, Paula Broadstock and Courtney Annett, who have returned this season.
Olivia Pels, who missed last year’s finals with injury, also returns.
Watson said he was looking forward to seeing the midcourt combination of Watson, Wallmeyer and Scherer.
“Tahnysha’s quite quick and Maddi also has pace. Maddi can play the centre position and it gives us another option besides Taylah,” he said.
Among the outs for the Tigers is last year’s captain Gemma Jackson, who is focusing on basketball.
The biggest challenge for Lancefield early in the season will be getting a full strength team on the court because of VNL commitments. As the seasons run concurrently and the VNL plays some matches on Saturdays, players will not be available to Lancefield for every match.
But Watson said he had no concerns about not having his full line-up available for every match, saying they were experienced enough to adapt to the changes.
Having the extra strength in the A-grade side will flow onto the other sides, with Watson expecting improvement across all four grades.
“Across the club we’ve picked up about 15 players,” Watson said.
“The challenge is on all the sides to improve on last season.
“We built the foundations last season and made finals in both A-grade and B-grade. We’re probably 50 per cent better in the B-grade side.
“We got the Scully sisters across from Romsey and they’re good players.”
In the other match due to be played at the weekend, Melton Centrals was given the points when Rockbank could not field a team.
