The focus for Riddell is improving their game and not worrying about other teams in the Riddell District Netball League.
The Bombers have had a mixed season so far, being able to beat the bottom three sides comfortably but haven’t been able to beat any of the sides above them.
Having focused heavily on youth this year, Bombers coach Eliza Allen didn’t expect to have the same success as the last three seasons which has included two premierships and three grand final appearances.
Instead she was more focused on improving the skills of the playing group, which she says are improving every week.
“We have turned a corner a little bit with expectations of each other,” she said. “We’re focusing on ourselves and we’re definitely playing better.”
“After the Romsey game earlier in the season, we changed our game plan to use our speed through the midcourt.
“I was really happy with the Macedon game [the following week] as we realised we can be competitive not only in the game but on the scoreboard against some of the better teams.”
Allen said they were starting to see playing partnerships come together well.
She said Kira Baldwin and Sarah King were working really well together in defence, while at the shooting end they had Chloe Meulenmeesters, Jessica Lallo, Christine Harris and Ellen Close. Another goaler, Tanisha Bardzinski has come up and played a few games in A-grade after standout performances in B-grade.
Harris and Close, the two most experienced players in the side, have taken on new roles with the side having so many shooters.
Allen said both were really thriving in learning how to play in the midcourt, with Harris playing wing attack and Close playing centre.
“Christine controls a lot of what happens and is the more experienced head on court,” she said.
“She’s loving it not pressure on her all the time. She’s as fit as a fiddle and can go all day.
“The combination of her and Ellen is improving each week
“Ellen is playing goals in the Victorian Netball League so it’s good for her to look at a new position. She also took on coaching our under-19s.”
The Bombers have one of the toughest runs home, with all but one match against sides in the top six. First up, they face Romsey on Saturday.
“Romsey is a huge challenge,” Allen said.
“We want to close the gap on them from the last time we played them. We have to play our game and not let them control the game.
“Half our team is missing with VNL, so we’ll bring some girls up from B-grade.
“We’re haven’t looked too far ahead. We’re focusing on what else is out there, focusing on upskilling our players.”
Allen said there was plenty of positives from the other grades as well.
“Our 19s are a really young side and Ellen is doing a good job working with them.
“In Bs and Cs we’re working on structures and things we’ve lacked the last couple of years in finals. We want them to be confident in finals.”
