THE bad news for the rest of the Western Border Netball Association competition is reigning premier West Gambier returns to its club’s new courts having retained the 2022 premiership line-up.
The Roos will unveil newly redeveloped courts and their premiership flag as they start the season as the clear competition benchmark.
The challenge for all teams – and this weekend for Casterton Sandford – is just how to break down what is a well-oiled machine.
Defensively, West denies time and space for opponents courtesy of the tight-checking tenacity of mid-courters Tara Bryant and Zoe Malseed and the star pairing of Amy Cram and Jade Ritter in the defensive circle.
At the other end Sarah Ritter poses the biggest headache for all defenders in the competition.
Her strength on the hold and accuracy from long range is deadly.
Lisa McGregor, who is a dangerous scoring option in her own right, delivers the ball to her shooting partner with finesse.
Mikaela Horrigan is also creative with ball in hand and can be relied upon to create some havoc defensively through the mid-court.
It all equates to a tough ask for a new-look Cats lineup.
Dani Russell has taken the helm at Island Park and will also bring her experience and smarts to the wing attack role.
Russell will have spent the off-season working on building chemistry with a new-look frontline.
Chloe Foster, who spent some time on the A Grade court last year, combines with her former junior shooting partner Chelsey Galpin in the circle.
Galpin is a welcome addition to the Cats top grade and her speed and athleticism to the goal attack role will add to the attacking line.
She is a former 15 and Under B WBNA best and fairest, while comes off a season in the Geelong Football Netball League where she took out the 19 and Under best and fairest.
Galpin’s return also frees up experienced utility Madalene Cleary to run the centre role where her leadership will be critical.
The defensive line is the most stable for the Cats 2023 team with young-guns Caeleigh Humphries and Ebany Jarrad teaming up again.
Their willingness to contest every ball will see opposition teams constantly under pressure in the shooting circle.
The defensive duo’s job will also rely on the outside pressure from Cleary and new face to Island Park – Libby Altorfer – who was part of the club’s women’s football program.
To have a settled premiership line-up, take on a new-look and inexperienced side puts West as the clear favourite.
However, it will be a good hit out for Cats to find out exactly where the work needs to be done as the season progresses.
