AFTER the club was shrouded with uncertainty with talks of a merger with Border Districts, Monica van Dyk is determined to create a positive culture within Edenhope-Apsley’s A Grade side.
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With some returning players and juniors stepping up, van Dyk said things were looking good for the season ahead.
“We have a few girls returning to play this year for the A Grade side after some time out, and will see some strong returning players, like Sarah Domaschenz and Rachael Elmslie,” she said.
“There will be a few B Graders that will step up into the A Grade team after strong performances last year and we look forward to developing them.”
van Dyk said it would be important to create a good atmosphere at the club as it looks to set itself up for the future.
“We hope to be competitive in the 2018 season but we also want to build a really positive culture in the netball club, with local girls, including our juniors, being given plenty of opportunities to perform,” she said.
“We would like to have a strong focus on the playing groups working as a team.”
With van Dyk gearing up for her first season in charge of the side, she said the team’s success would come from everyone helping out.
“Many of the girls have been really dedicated so far and it has been pleasing to see commitment early on,” she said.
“I look forward to working in a positive and supportive environment, with lots of people chipping in.”
The Saints start their netball season at Edenhope against Rupanyup on April 7.
Q and A with Monica van Dyk
How will your coaching style be changing this year?
It's my first year coaching at the club, but we hope that it will be a team effort, with coaches and team captains and managers working together to support each player and the coaches.
Who do you expect will take a step up this season?
We have many of our under-17s training with the seniors and they have shown great promise – we look forward to giving them a solid run in senior teams.
Kara Shuttleworth played a great season in B Grade last year and we are looking forward to her playing A Grade; despite not having played much netball, her basketball skills have transferred really well.
Who do you think will be the team to beat?
Natimuk United – they have excellent mid-court players that feed their goalies really well. They work really well as a team.
