By Colin MacGillivray

Edenhope-Apsley’s A Grade netball team will enter this season with the unique distinction of being a reigning premier with several question marks over its head.

The Saints were dominant in 2023, going undefeated en route to a 10-goal grand-final win against Laharum.

But after an off-season that saw the departure of several key premiership figures, returning coach Sarah Domaschenz and her new co-coach Paris Hardwick must work to forge a new identity for their squad.

Gone will be Emily Burgess and Sarah Burgess, Sacha McDonald, Kristin Bowen, Hayley Campbell and Shannon Freeman.

The only starting player to return from last season’s premiership team is goalie Lavinia Fox.

Domaschenz said the Saints would field ‘a fair few newbies’ in 2024.

“It’s probably a rebuilding year for us really,” she said.

“Until we get everyone on the court we won’t know what new combinations will look like. We’ve had a good pre-season and it’s been really well attended. Spirits are high. Although we have lost a few, we’re feeling positive about this season.”

Domaschenz said the Saints had brought in some new players to help fill the gaps.

Former Taylors Lake player Teagan Kanoa-Muir will suit up for the Saints this year, while Tahlia Sailor crosses from Donald.

Hardwick said Edenhope-Apsley’s junior players would also gain invaluable experience this season.

“Jas McIntyre will step up into A Grade full-time. She was our junior development player last year,” Hardwick said. “There are a couple of others like Charlotte Henderson and Isabel Payne who will get opportunities, but because we’re working as an A and B squad at the moment, they will be developed there. 

“Jas will float from midcourt to defence, Issy is a middy to a goalie and Charlotte is a defender. It will be good experience for them to step into the senior team this year.”

Hardwick said while the team was facing ‘a little bit of the unknown’, its primary intention was to have an enjoyable season.

“I think rebuilding is the main goal. It definitely is a new team, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have success in some form,” she said.

“It is still very early. We haven’t had the whole team together and we’re still looking at selections with our A and B squads. 

“Once we have the team pinpointed, we’ll have a better idea of how it’s all going to look.”

Coaches: 

A Grade: Sarah Domaschenz and Paris Hardwick

B Grade:  Sarah Domaschenz and Paris Hardwick

C Grade:  Michelle Penrose

C Reserve: Jess McIntyre

17-and-under: Morgan Coventry and Nashira Lees

15-and-under: No team

13-and-under: Loren Linto

Modified: Caitlin Smith and Lisa Oliver

NetSetGo: Bryony Brinckman

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire March 27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!