Rovers and Magpies ready to bounce back

IT'S a rare double bill this weekend as Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta Magpies both have home games. Both A grade netball teams are coming off losses and face tough opponents again this week with the Magpies on Friday facing Myrtleford, who will be extremely desperate to open their account for this season, and the Hawks on Saturday up against Lavington, who rolled Myrtleford last round. Rovers coach Gracie Reid comes back into the side after a brief sojourn in Bali last week and is confident her side will make a good account of themselves. "We’ll be back at full strength and ready to give it our all this week despite the absence of Sophie Hatzismalis and Kelsie Wilson," Reid said. "This week, our focus is on regrouping and reflecting on our last two games. "It's a chance to look at how we can better stick to our game style, stay connected as a team, and bring a consistent four-quarter effort every time we step on the court. "I know Lavington are a relatively new team with a new coach, but they’re never a side to take lightly. "I’m looking forward to the challenge and a solid hit-out against them." Reid said her players have shown they have what it takes to play at this level, it was just a matter of developing the team mentality a bit further. "This year, every player on my team has stepped up and shown what they can do individually—and they’ve been playing some great netball," she said. "But the reality is, we won’t win with individual brilliance alone. "Our focus now is on coming together, playing as one unit, and becoming a team that’s hard to beat. "It’s no secret that Rovers still have a way to go, but I truly believe I’ve got the right group this year to put some wins on the board. "Across every part of the court—defenders, midcourters, and goalers—we’ve got real talent. "Now, it’s about figuring out how that talent clicks into a strong, united seven." Reid said the club was fortunate to have a strong leadership team in the netball program. "My captains, Mik (Mikaela Trethowan) and Briony (Simpson) as well as Bec (Kreltszheim) and Kara (O'Donohue), have all demonstrated love, passion, and determination for this team," she said. "And honestly, if a leader doesn’t show these qualities, then what are the young players looking up to? "It’s their example that sets the tone for everyone—leading with heart and commitment is what drives the whole team forward as well as the club." Wangaratta Magpies kick off the long weekend on ANZAC Day, with the netball starting at 1pm with the 15 and under game while the A grade match against Myrtleford will be at 5pm.

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