By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren’s netball side is implementing the lessons learnt from last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Olinda Ferny Creek, according to coach Erin Bell.
The former Australian representative, who has stepped away from playing this season, said her side struggled to adjust to the torrid weather conditions presented in the decider, and has used that as motivation ahead of their round one Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division A Grade clash with Pakenham.
“It’s about building our toolkit and making sure that when we are put under pressure, or a team throws something at us, or the weather throws something at us, that we want to be prepared for that and we’ve got strategies, and we know that we can work our way through anything that we’re thrown this season,” Bell said.
“We know what we’re good at, we know we can be fast and play well in the dry.
“It’s about being able to slow it down, mix it up, and be able to adjust to conditions.
“That’s probably our main thing this season.”
Replacing Bell in the goalers circle is Peninsula Waves Goal Shooter Clare Vearing, who’s combination with Chelsea Tonna and Gemma Osborne has Bell excited.
As does the prospects of unheralded defender Taylah Jencke.
“She can kind of go under the radar a little bit but she’s played really well in our practice matches,” Bell said.
“We’re going to try to challenge her a little bit more with her versatility and play a few different positions, so it will be good to see how she goes.”
Despite not playing finals last season, Bell is expecting Pakenham to offer stiff competition in the season opener.
“We had a practice match against them that we did win, but I don’t think they were at full strength, so round one will be interesting.”
“I’m looking forward to playing Berwick now as well.
“They’ve come up to Premier Division now and they were always pretty strong in their division.
“I think all in all we’ll have a good mix of really competitive games that will hopefully make for a good season.”
Saturday’s A Grade clash begins at 3pm at Toomuc Reserve.
