The Purples have been slowly building an A-grade squad capable of a deep finals run in the past few years — but are ready to explode this campaign.
The additions of Tamara Skinner and Kirsty Hommes will give the Purples a one-two punch in attack and defence respectively that other outfits will struggle to match.
Add Strathmerton premiership star Tegan Sutton — who joined ahead of last year's cancelled season — and Victorian Netball League-listed Caitlin McLachlan to the much-improved cohort of 2019 as well and coach Emma McDonald believes she has found a recipe for success.
“(This season) has been a long time coming, everyone's keen to get stuck into it,” McDonald said.
“The reality is at any point it can get taken out from under us, so it's still a bit of a worry, but if we get to play it will be great.
“The most difficult part was that we recruited really well last year and haven't been able to get on the court yet.
“Nathalia has been in a rebuilding phase the past few years, so we're really keen to get out there and play well.”
The experience players like Goulburn Valley League stars Skinner and Hommes will bring to Nathalia Recreation Reserve will be key to the Purples making the most of their talented list.
“Tam and Kirsty have both played football at Nathalia, so they're not new faces either,” McDonald said.
“It has been a bit of a theme that perhaps girls who weren't quite ready were thrust into senior netball and it was really sink or swim.
“Now we have a couple of seniors who have so much experience and are ready to pass it on to whoever will listen.
“Juniors all idolise the seniors at Nathalia, whether that's football or netball.
“They worship the ground the seniors walk on, and I keep telling the girls that whatever they are willing to put in, the kids will take out of it.”
FAST FACTS
COACH: EMMA MCDONALD
2019 FINISH: NINTH (7-1-10)
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