Echuca is shifting into a new and exciting era according to A-grade coach Belinda Lees.
The Murray Bombers will look to ride the success of their 17-and-under premiership heroes as the senior outfit transitions into a new stage.
Lees, who has taken over the coaching reins from close friend Steph Vick, is excited by the air of optimism that’s taken hold of Victoria Park.
The gun midcourter, who will take up a playing coach position similar to during her glory days at Kyabram, said she can’t wait to watch the club’s promising youth burst on to the scene.
“We’ve got a new-look A-grade side with experience intertwined with youth which is really exciting.
“Our 17s won the flag last year and so we’ve got numerous players who will move up into the A-grade squad ... we’re moving into a new era and it will take time but we need to stay the course.”
Raina Fimmel, who claimed best-on-court honours in the grand final, will be joined by skilful tall twins Lilli Oliver and Jorja Oliver and pocket-rocket midcourter Zayah James.
Echuca bowed out of the 2022 finals race in heartbreaking fashion, but if the Murray Bombers can inject some new flavour in 2023 there is no reason the squad can’t push deeper into September.
“Those girls are incredibly talented and I’m excited by what we can get out of them,” Lees said.
“They’re like sponges and they just soak up everything at training.”
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