MILLICENT opened the Western Border netball season with a strong win over a new-look East Gambier and this weekend the Saints host another new look combination – South Gambier.
The 2022 runners-up looked polished in their opening round hit out with the shooting combination of Demi Verbena and Tabatha Sanderson looking as damaging as ever.
The defensive line of Portia McRae, Lauren Van Eeden and Kimmi Varcoe stifled the Bulldogs frontline and the mid court, led by Lisa Duldig, lost nothing with the injection of young talent Lillie Paul and Daisy Tunkin.
The Demons, on the other hand, still have some shuffling to do and combinations to test as they look to cover the loss of height and impact of goaler Lara Munro and defender Grace Potts.
However, with the likes of Ellie Bouchier and Alyssa Duncan influencing games at either end and the steady heads and hands of Tully McShane and Megan Reid in the mid court, the Demons still have a core of the 2022 group with which to work.
The experience of Belinda Scanlon, in her return to the A Grade court, will be invaluable, while Sophie Wight brings speed and athleticism to the mid court or defensive end.
Gracie Dalton can also play either end as she looks to experience her first season of top-grade netball.
The Saints should get the job done at this early stage of the season with the Demons still searching for exactly how they will look in 2023.
