Darley head coach Renee Hulls has her sights set on Ballarat Netball League finals.
In her first season at the Devils, Hulls said strong pre-season form from all five sides had her confident that they would be in the mix come September.
The Devils made big strides in A grade last year, finishing with seven wins, up from four the year before, and showed that for long periods of games they could match it with the top sides.
It has been a number of years since the top side has made finals.
“With how the A-grade side has been travelling, if we don’t make finals I’ll be shattered,” Hulls said.
“We had some really good hit-outs in practice matches against Romsey and Ballan.
“All our sides are a bit stronger this year. If five out of five sides could make finals I would love that.”
As well as being head coach and coaching the A-grade and B-grade teams, Hulls will play in the A-grade side. Last season Hulls was playing-coach at BNL rival Melton.
She’s one of three inclusions for the side.
Werribee Centrals duo Amanda Wilson and Amy Giaini have switched leagues, coming across from the Geelong and District Football League. Giaini was best on court in the Centrals A-grade premiership against Bannockburn last year.
Both have been part of multiple A-grade premiership winning teams with Centrals, who have lost one game in the past three seasons.
“Amy is a midcourter and Amanda is a defender,” Hulls said.
“Amanda is tall and is a former Victorian Netball League player. With myself in goals we’ve been able to strength all three areas of the court.”
Tara Parker has left the Devils to join Melton South.
Hulls said they would look to have a core group and would call on players from lower grades when needed.
Tara Murray
