SOUTH Gambier and North Gambier will both roll out new-look lineups for the 2023 Western Border netball season, which will be on show when they start their campaigns in the annual Anzac Day clash.
The Demons host the match and while they broke a decade-long Anzac Day drought last year, player losses will have South enter Tuesday’s game as the underdog.
North also has a raft of changes with which to deal.
The Tigers are looking at a season without stalwart Caroline Wakefield, but young-guns Macey Griffith and Lauran Norman are shooting stars on the rise.
Not having that strong holding goaler will have Tigers’ coach Amanda O’Shaughnessy working on a new style of offensive tactics, with a mobile goal circle which will test defenders with speed and well-timed front cuts and baseline drives.
Norman looms as a key with her ability to also play mid court – a role she played on several occasions during 2022.
Noni McConnell makes a welcome return with her experience, leadership and versatility.
She will be able to fill a mid-court or defensive role.
Her tight checking and ability to apply relentless pressure will have North’s ability to create turnover ball significantly increased.
Mel Renko and Brianna Walters are all class and Walters will be the key offensive threat in North’s mid-court.
Meanwhile, Renko can also fill a mid-court or circle defence role, depending on match ups.
New recruit Mikaila Pitt is another versatile performer who will use her athleticism and smarts to good effect wherever O’Shaughnessy chooses to deploy her.
The Anzac Day clash will also have Grace Potts unveiled in Tigers colours against her former club South, where she was the 2022 club best and fairest winner.
Potts played one season at South in goals and 2022 in defence so she will add to the versatility of the 2023 Tigers line-up.
South will rely heavily on its emerging young stars with Alyssa Duncan the mainstay in the shooting circle and 2022 Team of the Year member Ellie Bouchier leading the defensive line.
Tully McShane and Megan Reid will continue to develop in their mid-court roles where their speed and work rate is invaluable.
Sophie Wight, who already made her mark in 2022 when filling in on the A Grade court, can take a mid-court or defensive role.
Her speed, vertical leap and closing speed will be pivotal.
The return of 1995 premiership player and former coach Belinda Scanlon will add much needed leadership and smarts to the South roster.
Whether in the mid-court or shooting circle, Scanlon has the ability to bring others into the play and she rarely makes a mistake with ball in hand.
The loss of Lara Munro and Potts is huge for the Demons, but it also opens the opportunity for rising star Gracie Dalton, who can hold her own in the shooting or defensive circle when called upon.
North should take the points but with both sides looking to rebuild in the wake of player losses, it could be a tight encounter.
