Tara Murray
Werribee Centrals know they have a task ahead of them to play in the Geelong and District Netball League finals, but aren’t giving up without a fight.
Last season’s premiers have struggled to recapture last season’s form with a changing of the guard in the side having an impact.
The Centurions sit two games outside the top five after 13 rounds, ahead of a clash with fifth placed Anakie this Saturday.
Centrals’ Ellie Tubbs said they will have to fight hard if they’re to play finals. She said they play a lot of the big name teams in the run home.
“We have a really strong run home,” she said. “We played some good netball on the weekend and against Corio a couple of weeks ago.
“We have one of the toughest runs home. I think if we can play some good netball we will be OK.
“Anything can happen from fifth as we know well from past years.”
Tubbs said to be part of the best they need to beat the top sides and it’s a challenge they are ready for.
She said the group which was a lot younger than in previous years was slowly coming together.
Tubbs said the group was starting to understand how to play each other and were improving every week.
“There’s been a bit more gelling and focusing on specific roles and development,” she said.
“I’m proud of them.”
The Centurions have been boosted by the return of star defender Amanda O’Malley, who won last season’s league best and fairest award.
Tubbs said O’Malley’s experience was second to none and added some depth to their defensive end.
Elsewhere in the club, the Centurions B-grade side are on track to play finals.
She said the majority of the group had been together for five to six years.
Tubbs said Evie Christopher who is still playing 17 and unders, had been impressive in that side.
The under-19 side are still undefeated and continue to play some strong netball.
“Tubbs said they had young players going through all their sides.
“When we reflect on this year, it’s been a good development season,” she said.
“There’s been a lot of maturing from a lot of the players.
“It is really positive to have home grown players coming through, I’m to proud.”
