Tara Murray
Kyneton is ready for a new challenge in the Riddell District Netball League.
The Tigers have made the move from the Bendigo Netball League to the RDNL which has brought lots of excitement and nerves ahead of the season.
Netball director Loryn Savoia said they were excited to see what was ahead of them.
“We’re looking forward to it,” she said. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind pre-season and it’s coming up quickly.
“It’s just around the corner and a new competition. We just want to get out and play some netball.”
The Tigers will have A, B and C-grade sides this season, along with under-19s, under-17s and under-13s.
It’s the first time the club has had under-13s which is a big positive for the future of the club.
Savoia said being able to play teams in their own backyard week in and week out was something the group was looking forward to.
“We’ll be playing against people who live in the same postcode,” she said. “We’ve either been to school together or worked together.
“Woodend are our neighbours and we’re keen to start a rivalry.”
Savoia said their A-grade side would be different to last season, with several players including the Mangan sisters, deciding to remain in the Bendigo league.
She said Tilly Shepherd, who won the club’s A-grade best and fairest last season, and Claire Oakley would be back again.
The pair, who play for Melbourne University in the Victorian Netball League, will be bookends for the Tigers.
Laura Bennie returns to the club and will be the A-grade captain.
Savoia said they weren’t setting any expectations for the season. The Tigers start the season on Good Friday against reigning premiers, Woodend-Hesket.
“It’s going to be an unknown year,” she said. “We are just enjoying the transition into the local league and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Savoia said they were expecting a big crowd on Good Friday.
