Tara Murray
There’s been a slight changing of the guard at Werribee Centrals but nothing will change for the Geelong and District Netball League club.
Last season’s A-grade premiers, the Centurions have several players from that team not planning on taking to the court this season.
Co-netball coordinator Ellie Tubbs said they were excited for another big season on court.
“We’ve got all four senior teams and four junior teams, it’s always good to fill all eight sides,” she said.
“There’s lots of new faces across all the grades and all the age groups. Lots of young people, which is always good.”
Jenni Rothery has taken over as coach. Tubbs said at this stage she wouldn’t be playing but they were hoping to convince her to.
She said it was exciting to see someone else from within the club step up and take on the role.
“She’s a great leader on court and will be a great mentor for a lot of players,” Tubbs said.
“She has a deep knowledge of the club. It’s always nice to have outside influences in the club, but it’s always good to have a strong pool of people to step up and take on those roles.”
Rothery isn’t the only out on court for the Centurions.
Tubbs herself isn’t playing, while Nicole Weatherley, who played her 300th game last season, isn’t playing at this stage.
Joining them on the side lines is Amanda O’Malley, who is pregnant. O’Malley won the league best and fairest last season along with the grand final most valuable player.
Tubbs said it means it will be a slightly different side this season, but there will still be some familiar faces.
“We all love the club and will all still be around,” she said.
“Melissa Prismall brings such experience and Natasha Dimkovski is only 21 and has been in the A-grade team since she was 15.
“Steph Kearney is back and Alual Garang, who won the under-19 best and fairest last season and played A-grade will get more opportunities.
“Caitlin Hendricksen is also back. It gives them more opportunity to play some minutes and strengthen that bond.
“Most of been there at least five years and who won a couple of premierships with the team.
“It’s exciting to have depth in our own ranks and we didn’t have to look too far to fill spots.”
The Centurions kicked off their season on Saturday against Corio.
Tubbs said despite the changes to the squad, nothing changes.
“There’s always high expectations and the GDNL has become a stronger league in the last few seasons.
“We are aiming to win. We want to play finals. We finished fourth last season and won the grand final when our experience took over a little bit.
“The aim is always to make the top five.”
