By Tara Murray
Defending champions City West Falcons are relying on some familiar faces to get the job done in this year’s Victorian Netball League championship division.
Having won the past three titles, the Falcons have been the team to beat and will remain that way this year.
The Falcons have just two additions to their side from last season.
Maddie Romios, nee Gray, returns after having last season off after having her first baby.
Charity Nasalio is the other new member having come from New Zealand.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said having the same squad was good, but it would also have some challenges.
“I think it’s a bit challenging having done so well last year and keeping that determination,” she said. “I think having Maddie and Charity around will help with that and help keep the pressure on.”
Romios will give the Falcons another attacking option, while Olivia Cameron, who joined the team as a fill in, is back this season as another goal option.
Lind said that Romios has been working hard since before pre-season.
“She has been good,” she said. “It’s been a slow burn.
“She joined me at boxing a month before the season started which has been good.
“She fits in seamlessly and she has been captain before. She adds a bit more maturity to the group and has that commitment.”
Nasalio is a defender with Lind saying she was similar to fellow defender Mel Oloamanu.
Lind said they had been working on some different things during the pre-season that they were looking to put into place,
She said not having Uneeq Palavi and Montana Holmes train, due to Melbourne Mavericks commitments, meant they would have to fast track things when they come back.
The Falcons under-23 squad has had a bit of a freshen up.
They kept a number of players from the squad that made finals last season, but have changed up the midcourt.
Lind said they had retained Victorian players Lani Fauonuku and Holly Adams-Alcock will lead the attack end, while defenders Achel Yout, Maddison Mckiernan and MIkaela Minns will head up defence.
“We’re reinvigorated the midcourt,” Lind said. “Olivia Powell and Amelia Holland, had both come through our junior program.
“They can run all day and not stop. We were good for five minutes and unable to continue that.
“They’ve got that commitment and determination and bring a bit more grunt through the middle.”
Lind said she was excited to see what Minns could do after a big off season.
Minns has been playing in the Malaysian league.
“She has done really well over there,” Lind said. “I think missing out on the state team threw her a little bit and she’s taken that opportunity at a higher level.
“It’s brave for her to go over there.”
WIth a top six this year, finals will look different.
Lind said they were focused on making finals again and going from there.
“A lot of clubs have picked up players, some that have not played for a whale and played at national level.”
The Falcons season gets underway on March 12 against the Western Warriors
