It will be a different Riddell line-up this season in the Riddell District Netball League.
The two-time reigning premiers had a host of departures and a change of coach, but gets a more local feel this year.
Eliza Allen returns to the coach’s seat, having previously coached the A-grade side, including a grand final appearance in 2014.
Allen also coaches Boroondara Express’ under-19 VNL team, and said returning to the Bombers worked in well with her other netball commitments.
“I knew they were looking for somebody and knew they were ideally wanting a local coach,” she said.
“I live down the road and my girls will go through the netball program here. I was definitely keen to help out Riddell and help the local girls.”
Allen said there would be a big focus on bringing through local talent to play in the A-grade side.
The likes of Meikah Johns, Brianna De Haas, Chloe Meulenmeesters, Kira Baldwin, and Tanisha and Emma Bardzinski are set to get more opportunities in the top grade this year.
“The opportunity to play the next grade up and look after the longevity of the club is something we are looking at,” Allen said.
“It’s about development and getting them ready for A-grade. We really want to focus on local players.
“We’ve always had the talent coming through, and we want them playing A-grade here, not going elsewhere.
“We’re focusing on players who are currently on the list, instead of getting players from Melbourne to come and play.”
Allen said it wouldn’t just be a team of young players, with premiership contenders Ellen Close, Christine Harris and Sarah King all returning. Among those not returning are former league best and fairest winner Lauren Close, who is playing with the Northern Territory in the Australian Netball League, and Cayley Armstrong, who is playing with Romsey.
Allen said the main goal for this year will be focusing on developing skills across the board, so players have the skills needed if they then choose to play at a higher level.
“We’ve been so successful across the grades and off the court, and we want to continue that,” she said. “I feel my strength is in the education side of things.
“Some people have the wrong idea about skills at the top level – it’s about executing the basics well.
“We’ll see how the season goes, but the main goal is upskilling them,” Allen said. “If we upskill them, they’ll keep coming back.”
The Bombers started back training last week.
