The Port Pirie netball season starts this Saturday with three A 1 matches, when teams will be trying to stamp their authority for the coming season.
Blue Wrens, last year premiers, will be fielding the same side and will be the benchmark for other teams in the competition.
Coach Vanessa Magor will be expecting a strong performance from her players to follow their 2008
successes having the player of the year and three players in the team of the year from their playing group.
They are the only team in the competition that has not had changes to their line up.
Blue Wrens play Central at 3.30pm.
Central will be showing a new look team having lost the services of stalwart goal shooter Jodie Munzberg to retirement thus giving opportunities to 15 year old Stephanie Anastasia who has been promoted from A1 reserves.
Following the retirement of Micki O’Dea the team will be coached by Geoff Zubrinich making it a family affair when he coaches his two daughters Abby Zubrinich and Lisa Brock.
Defender Ann Russack has held her defence position after a good
performance in 2008.
St. Mark Celtic who was Runner up to the 2008 premiership has lost Martine Amato and Katie Pole who are both expecting their first babies. They have also lost the services of coach Michelle Heidrich who is having some time off and will be replaced by Liz Brown who will coach and captain her team from the court. The team has experienced players still leading the way with newcomers Tara Coad who has made a return to the A1 side and Kaytlyn Mudge being promoted from the A1 reserve premiership side.
SMC will play Port at 1.45pm
Port has also changed coaches with Tricia Thoman retiring and being ably replaced by staunch player Deb Hayes.
Port will be an unknown factor with some exciting new players in the team. Jess Dunkley is back, Hollie Joyce has been given an opportunity at the top level and two players have come from the Northern Areas competition in Jeni Thomas and Chloe Willersdorf. The team will have only three from last season’s team therefore they will be an unknown factor.
Chequers will play Solomontown at 1.45.
A 1 reserve player 14-year-old Tayla Stevens will step up into possibly an attacking role and will be well supported by the senior group in Nadinne Knibbs, Sonia Mansfield and Teresa Balmer. The team is fielding the same players from last season except for Chequers champion, Phillipa Woolford who has announced her retirement.
Sollies are showing they can be a force in the competition keeping a core of the experienced players.
Talented defender Kandeana Steele could cement her spot in the A1 team and the return of goalie Justina Luteria will add strength. Petria Ladgrove is new to Port Pirie having played in the Peake and Districts Association in the A grade competition as a defender.
Central Green will have to wait until next week to show their form as they have the bye.
This team will also be showcasing a new coach in player Suella Davies who has taken over from retired coach Margi Harvey.
They are also naming a new look team with A 1 reserve players Keanna Northcott and Emily Wardle getting the opportunity to play in the A grade side. Senior players in Megan Phillips, Katie Brown, and Suelle Davies will be expected to lead the way.
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