Newtown and Chilwell are keen for the challenge against an undefeated Geelong West Giants side on Saturday.
The Giants sit atop the Geelong Netball ladder after six rounds undefeated, with Newtown and Chilwell two spots below with five wins and a loss.
Eagles co-coach Andrew McInerney said it had been a good start to the season.
“It’s been a good start across all the grades,” he said. “We had a good pre-season and our form has been pretty good and it’s showing in the results.”
Having made a grand final in A-grade last season, the Eagles have had a few changes to their list.
Goalers Uneeq Palavi and Zanna Woods moved on, while Mikayla Vaughan, who brings plenty of Victorian Netball League experience, helps fill the void in the shooting circle.
McInerney said they were also keen to help some of their goalers from B-grade to step up into the higher grade.
“It’s about the whole club,” he said. “There’s a couple of shooters from B-grade we want to lift to A-grade.
“We want to try and blood within as much as we can and we have the experience of Mikayla and Julia they can learn from.”
The Eagles welcomed back a bit more experience in the mid court.
Danielle Mather and Vanessa Augustini have both returned to the court after having babies.
McInerney said that wing attack position was crucial and both played key roles in filling that.
Augustini and Woolley are both playing VNL together for the Western Warriors this season, helping further build that connection that has existed for several years.
“They have both been around for a long time,” he said. “Vanessa has probably had four games back and the last match between them was their best match.”
McInerney said at times they were trying to limit the experienced pairs minutes with such a big workload.
“Vanessa doesn’t want to come off,” he joked.
The Eagles are this week in action against the Giants.
McInerney said they were keen to test themselves against one of the other top sides in the competition.
“It’s only my second year in the competition,” he said. “I’m still learning who has what players.
“We played them in a practice match and we did OK, but I don’t know if they had a full team.
“We’ve up for the challenge.”
In other matches, Bell Park hosts Leopold, Grovedale will play St Albans, Lara plays Colac, while St Joseph’s will host St Mary’s.
South Barwon has the bye.
Tara Murray
