Werribee’s dominance in the state’s major league mixed indoor netball competition has translated into a strong Wyndham presence in the Victorian team that will feature at the Australian indoor championships in Mackay in April.
Dean Giarrusso, who coaches both Werribee and the Victorian side, has rewarded the form players in the state league competition.
Unsurprisingly, most come from top-of-the- ladder Werribee, which has claimed six of the past seven top-tier state titles.
“We won six premierships in a row and then had a break for a year,” Giarrusso said. “This year we’ve come back with a new team and we’re undefeated again.”
Form in the league was only part of the selection criteria for the Victorian side.
The squad has trained hard for months to find the best combination to give it a shot at winning a national title.
“It’s been pretty full-on,” Giarrusso said. “We’ve been training every week and we had try-outs. Everyone is very committed and putting in the work. I think we’ve got a real hot chance.”
The star for the Victorians is expected to be Michael Saker.
Saker, who grew up in Wyndham Vale and now lives in Caroline Springs, has represented Australia in international competition.
Most Victorian attacking plays will go through Saker in mid-court.
“He dominates through the centre,” Giarrusso said. “Teams try to shut him down, but he’s just very good.”
The biggest improvement for Victoria has come through its female representatives. The addition of Madeline Hodgson and Olivia Mitchell, the sister of Australian track and field star Morgan, will be huge.
“We did pretty well in recruiting this year,” Giarrusso said.
Werribee Indoor Sports Centre has been running indoor netball for more than 30 years. The centre has competitions for beginners through to more serious players in five-a-side and seven-a-side formats.
