Netball
31 March, 2025
Stawell eye finals action
A new look Warriors outfit will take the court in 2025, keen to continue the successes the club experienced a year ago.
Coach Jemma Clarkson said with some veterans stepping back, its younger players have been given an opportunity to spread their wings.
"I was feeling a bit nervous before tryouts, but having seen some of our younger players step up, we can see a path forward," she said.
"We've added Alana Deutscher, Ruby Peters is stepping up from juniors and Ayva Mitchell is continuing this season.
"We've brought up some B grade stars after winning the premiership last year too."
Clarkson said the squad is looking to gel with a series of practice matches throughout March before round one.
"Our main goals is to find out feet as a team," she said.
'We are working on building a connection down the court."
It was a memorable 2024 campaign for the Stawell Warriors' netballers; however, it was one that could have been a whole lot more.
The senior netballers finished fifth, with an even eight wins and eight losses during the regular season.
While the Warriors were blown out of the water at home against Nhill in round four, the side later won a season-defining battle against Dimboola in round 12.
The 54-53 win against the Roos gave the side all the confidence they needed to take down the Tigers in the elimination final.
The dynamic duo of Mitchell and Ebony Summer should lead Stawell's front court again in 2025.
Summers led the Warriors goalscoring in 2024 with 384 goals at 81 per cent accuracy.
After a strong start to the season with tallies of 38 and 35 in the first three games, the Warriors captain look a more supporting role to her younger partner.
Playing 15-and-under and A Grade netball, Mitchell was consistent across both grades, shooting 690 goals at 91 per cent accuracy.
Her commanding play in the goal circle saw her win the WFNL 15-and-under best and fairest.