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NORTH Gippsland netball had a facelift in the off-season, with a number of sides set to hit the courts with new-look dynamics.
One side which underwent a complete overhaul is Gormandale, with Helen Barnes taking over the role vacated by head coach Greta Douch, who will lead Newborough in the Mid Gippsland league.
The departure of Douch saw a mass exodus of Tigers, with some 20 odd players leaving the club which has paved the way for recruits to shine and exciting new line-ups across the grades.
Well known in netball circles, Gemma Barnard will be at the helm of Heyfield’s A grade line-up taking over from her daughter Kara Wheeler, who coached the side to consecutive grand final berths in her two seasons as coach.
After losing to Rosedale in the grand final, the Kangaroos will be eager to go one better.
Running over Heyfield in a stellar performance to be named A grade premiers, Rosedale will prove tough competition, likewise Churchill which claimed the flag over the Blue girls in 2012.
Fundraising efforts by Sale City representative Sam Cooke in the recent Maffra Mardi Gras is set to result in further enhancements at the club’s netball court facilities.
Debbie Fox will step into the A grade coaching role at the Dogs, while premiership coach Jae Schuback will be aiming to make it a hat trick of titles in the under 17 competition.
Cowwarr netballers have taken their pre-season to another level, competing in a Melbourne based tournament to hone their skills ahead of their opening clash against Glengarry.
Glengarry will have dual coaches in the A grade competition with Pauline Little and Melissa Lowe eager to see the Magpies take flight in 2015.
Traralgon Tyers United tasted success on grand final day with the club’s B, C grade and under 15 sides victorious in one of the Bombers’ most successful seasons in recent years.
With a number of the club’s talented youth moving up the ranks big things are expected.
The clubs at the south end of the competition, Woodside and Yarram, will be coached by Nicole Foat and Jessica Inman respectively, both confident they will challenge the competition with a number of new recruits across all grades.
