Ocean Grove begins its Bellarine Netball League A Grade premiership defence with some new, and old, faces.
The Grubbers begin the season with an away clash against Modewarre and although the roster has been turned over, it still smacks of quality.
Amanda O’Malley needs no introduction for BNL followers, being a star player for Werribee Centrals for a long time. She has relocated to Ocean Grove and will add experience and class.
Best on court in the 2023 premiership Ashton O’Brien returns after a year off and Gemma Bell is back. Bell was runner-up in the C Grade league best and fairest in 2022, progressed to B Grade in 2023 and spent last season in A Grade at Otway Districts.
Coach Mel Holmes said Bell had been “impressive” during preseason and would rotate through wing defence and goal defence.
“She’s very coachable, she has a lot of grunt, she’s fit, she’s determined,” she said.
“She just brings something exciting to our group.”
Holmes said O’Malley would slot in seamlessly.
“She’s been amazing,” she said.
“We’ve welcomed her into our team and look forward to having her experience down that end.”
O’Brien’s return is a huge boost while Holmes said star defender Georgia Berry is the fittest she has been.
“Ashton can play across a variety of positions,” she said.
“Her and Amanda (O’Malley) are combining beautifully and I can also swing her in the goals, so I’ve got lots of versatility.
“She (Berry) is so fit. She’s been doing half-marathons and running.”
Ocean Grove won both practice matches, beating Geelong Netball League side Leopold and Geelong & District Netball League reigning premiers East Geelong.
Missing from the line-up this season will be Jess Leader (distance and work commitments), Rhiannon Whitson (relocated for work), Kim Hart (Barwon Heads) and Rebecca O’Neill (retired).
Holmes said a road trip to start the season against Moddewarre was a challenge.
“At this point I’m not sure what to expect from Moddewarre, but it’s always a good contest,” she said.
“They always put up a good fight. We’re just excited to start. We’re strong across the grades.”
