Undefeated Macedon Cats keep claws sharp

Macedon players are on court twice a week in a regime that has seen the side hold ladder-topping form.

The Riddell District Netball League club A-grade side has been competing at Parkville on week nights since before the season started.

The approach seems to be paying off with the Cats undefeated in the RDNL this season.

Before Saturday’s game against Diggers Rest, coach Melissa Climas said the extra time on court was reaping benefits on Saturdays.

The Cats won its weekend game easily, 57-34, running away with play in the second half.

“Last season, we lacked intensity,” Climas said. “We have a young mid-court who are all under 20, so this (midweek play) is good for them.”

Emily Tebble, Maddison and Jess Payne, and Shauna Martin are all part of the young mid-court in the senior team.

“The young ones, we have to work on consistency and get them playing well for four quarters,” Climas said.

“We’ve only done it once this season against Melton Centrals.”

While its mid-court may be young, the Cats’ defence and shooters provide experience.

Rebecca Colwell returned to the team this season. Colwell sits second on the goal-scoring table this season so far.

“We have two new defenders this season, so they are learning to play together but are both very experienced,” Climas said.

“Kate McLeod is a VNL [Victorian Netball League] defender and Tarryn Mackie returns to the club after three years away.”

While undefeated thus far, Climas is realistic about where her team is at.

“We have not been pushed so far. We haven’t played any of the top teams, like Riddell, Rupertswood and Romsey. We’ve played Wallan, who we lost to last year, and Melton Centrals when we were in control of the game.

“Finals is an option at this stage … something would have to go really wrong for us not to make finals,” Climas said.