By Tara Murray
Romsey has looked to strength its side as it hopes to go one better in the Riddell District Netball League.
One of the surprise packets last season, the Redbacks won through to the grand final before falling to Macedon.
With most of that group returning and a couple of new additions, Redbacks coach Luke Marko-Rawlings is confident they will be in the mix again.
He said they were already seeing an impact of last year’s success at training with more numbers attending.
“This year people know what they are coming into,” he said.
“There is higher expectations this year. People know that we’re not there to make up the numbers in A and B grade.
“We made a grand final appearance last season and we want to go one better this year.”
Marko-Rawlings said that there hadn’t been too many changes across the open age sides.
From the A-grade side, Kendra Vann isn’t returning, while Lauren Anglin has stepped down to B-grade, where she will be a playing coach.
The Redbacks have picked up Rockbank duo Rebecca Hicks and Danni Jane Umaki. Hicks in her first season in the league, was named the Western Water Player of the year
Marko-Rawlings said the two would strength both ends of the court.
“Becca takes a lot of pressure of Chelsea [Ross] and is so dominant in her position.
“DJ adds versatility with Mon [Clark] and [Stefanie] Symes. All three can play as circle defenders and it will chance who plays what position depending on who we play.
“It makes life easier for me with different options.”
Marko-Rawlings said they were hopeful of having a bit more stability across all their sides.
“I think the A-grade side will be really good,” he said.
“The B-grade side should have a more consistent line up, we’re hoping to lock down about 12 players. We went through 22 players last season.
“Hope [Evans] is coaching the C-grade side and adds experience.”
The Redbacks though are still looking for under-19 players.
Marko-Rawlings, who is in his second season at the club, said he was starting to feel right at home in the league.
“Everyone knows what I’m abuot,” he said.
“I’m more confident and more comfortable and I know what to expect and how the league operates.”
