Netball
28 March, 2024
Netballers ready to hit the court
Stawell and Ararat A Grade Netball teams are looking forward to getting out on the court when they face each other tomorrow in their Good Friday clash.
Both teams have new coaches and boast an abundance of youth which will be on show on the big stage of Good Friday.
Stawell has appointed Jemma Clarkson and Rachel Wood as joint coaches in A-Grade this season. Wood comes back to the club after being involved with Navarre for the last two years and Clarkson is relishing her new coaching role.
Clarkson said that the game against Ararat is always tough regardless of where and when it's held.
"It doesn't matter where we finished when we come up against them, it's always a tough game," Clarkson said.
"The rivalry pushes the team to play its best netball and it's great to have a club that pushes you and drives you to win.
"We always expect a big game and this will be big and it's great it is on the Good Friday, and a lot of skills will be on display."
The club has some fresh faces and returning faces, highlighted by Madi Taylor. Clarkson said the girls are ready to go after a great pre-season.
"The girls are looking forward to Good Friday and want to come out and put a win on the board early," Clarkson said.
"Our lineup is young and fresh with many new faces and we are looking forward to having a good hit out.
"It is going to be warm so we need to make sure everyone is well hydrated and ready to go."
For Ararat, Sally Noble has returned to the club following a long absence. Recently Noble has been coaching at Sebastopol where they have made finals and she is looking forward to elevating Ararat to the next level.
They are a young team with some juniors impressing in pre-season, such as Sophie Cooper and Demi Bligh, and Noble said the enthusiasm of youth has them looking forward to Good Friday netball.
"I think they are very excited to start and the level of intensity and excitement is there," Noble said.
"We have focused on three things in training. A strong line defense, working on an easy fast exit through the mid-court and goal accuracy.
"My motto this year for them is to 'Work smarter, not harder,' so it will be good to see how all the practice goes into a game situation."