The Deni Rams’ A and B-grade netball group in Dandenong with Corinne (far left) and Chris Mitsch (far right). Photos courtesy of the Deniliquin Rams Football & Netball Club.
The Deniliquin Rams’ senior netballers got in some good practice for the Murray League season ahead at a recent Dandenong tournament.
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Designed as a pre-season hitout by the Casey Netball Association, the A and B-grade netball squad played on a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, including during rain.
Senior coach Corinne Mitsch said there were eight rounds of netball over the course of the day, followed by finals.
Deni won the semi-final, but fell to Red Hill in the grand final.
“A lot of the teams were from around Melbourne - Red Hill, Frankston and around there,” Mitsch said.
“We now have an intra-club match this Saturday, which allows for some of those girls who couldn’t get down to Melbourne to have a game, and giving senior and junior netballers a hit out.”
The Rams have a new look this year on the courts, with superstar captain/coach Rhiannan Maxwell stepping away from a playing role this year.
“The preparations are going well, and players are going well across the A and B-grades,” Mitsch said.
“Rhi Maxwell will not be playing this year, and any time you lose a player of Spot's calibre it does make a difference.
“We still have some really well-experienced club stalwarts who are going to give great leadership.
“We do have some young players who are excited for the season ahead, but a little bit fresh and young.
“We are still focused on finals though and that is our goal for the year,” Corinne shared.
Mitsch said a number of those younger players have transitioned through the grades to the senior side this year, which she said reflects the culture they are building at the club.
“A big focus for us this year is building that positive culture within the group, within the club, and we want to make everyone feel welcome and to feel like they belong to this great community.”
The Deni Rams kick off their Murray League home and away season on April 5, when they travel to Barooga to take on the Hawks.
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