First-year Werribee Devils coach Mahaela Jackson has been impressed with the work ethic of her newly constructed team in the lead-up to this Sunday’s Big V women’s division 1 season opener on the road at the Camberwell Dragons.
The Devils underwent a non-stop six-month preseason training regime in preparedness for the new campaign.
“We’ve had a fairly long preseason,” Jackson told Star Weekly. “We started off in October and we’ve been training a few times a week since then.
“I scheduled a break over Christmas, but they were keen to stay on court and train through. You’re not going to say no when players want to keep training. Their commitment has been second to none.”
The Devils have brought in much needed experience as they seek to be a force at the pointy end of the campaign.
The biggest inclusion is import Adoniah Lewis, a point guard with junior national representation in her native New Zealand and US college experience.
“She brings the experience and that control we need at the point,” Jackson said.
The Devils will have a new captain with Elise Swan taking over the on-court leadership role.
Swan, a former Devils junior, returns after a stint with Blackburn and five years living in Canada.
The Devils struck it lucky with Kiwis Jess Slade and Bex van Kuyk impressing in try outs.
Both should have a commanding presence in the paint.
Nicole Green and sisters Jasmine and Jackie Silcock return after time away from the club.
In recent warm up matches, the Devils had a victory over Mildura before losing to Chelsea.
Jackson got a learn more about her team in the Chelsea defeat.
“I think we got the answers to the things we need on work on that day,” Jackson said. “We had goals each game, which we met, and highlighted things we needed to work on and iron out before the start of the season. Those games were beneficial.”
