The return of Emma Witham has helped Thomson to a 63-goal win against Geelong West in the opening round of Geelong & District Netball League.
The star goaler was among the Tigers’ best and she will play a huge role in her team’s attempts to improve on last season’s six-and-a-half wins.
Coach Shannyn Leach said Witham’s inclusion was a major boost along with fellow goaler Bree Caldwell.
“Emma has returned after having her baby, so she’s come back into goals, which is an amazing addition,” she said.
“She won the league best and fairest couple of years ago and then had last year off. Bree and Emma combined really well. Bree is new as well so it was nice to be able to work her into the team and Shae (Rowbottom) as well.
“The three of them played really well so it was nice to get different combinations that we can throw in there.”
At the other end of the court, youngster Cheyenne Philpott was starring in her new role. The one-time shooter is lining up as goalkeeper this season.
Leach said Philpott was “taking it on like an absolute boss”.
“It’s probably unfair for her because she’s been such a pivotal point for us as a goal shooter,” Leach said.
“You sort of just let her go and do her thing. I remember her saying to me last year that she wants to be challenged. I don’t think she thought this would be it, but she’s taking it on.
“She was a bit unsure initially, but gee, I wasn’t shocked because I knew she had it in her. She’s really stepped up and taken it on and I can’t wait to see what she’s going to do this year.”
Leach said Philpott, Alexandra Drake and Belmont recruit Puonyuom Mathiang would form a strong combination at the back end of the court under the guidance of Julia Mitchell, who is recovering from an ACL and will take on some coaching duties.
It was a surprise to most that Thomson missed the finals last year, but Leach said she didn’t want to put any pressure on her girls to rise back up the ladder.
“I think the biggest thing for us is to enjoy what we’re doing,” she said.
“We put so much pressure on ourselves and we have, over the years, put so much pressure on because we’ve been consistently in finals. This year is about getting back to enjoying our netball.”
The Tigers travel to Anakie this Saturday.
“What’s nice at this time of year is you really don’t know what you’re up for,” Leach said.
“Even with Geelong West, we weren’t really sure how that was going to pan out, but for Anakie next week, I see they’ve got quite a few outs and a few ins and they were really competitive (in round one). Hopefully we can take what we did yesterday into next week.”
Belmont Lions defeated Werribee Centrals by 11 goals with defender Sophie Trezise and midcourter Zoe Saunders leading the way.
Bell Post Hill led North Geelong all game to run out 17-goal winners. Chloe Platt and goal defence Jorja Caruso were best.
Anakie travelled to Corio and went home with the four points with a hard-fought 13-goal win.
East Geelong had a big win against Bannockburn by 56 goals. Mary Waldron was dynamic around goal and Madeline Solly was also good. For Banno, Chloe Hudson never gave in.
Winchelsea defeated Inverleigh by five goals with Grace Pullen in good form in attack.
