Donna Spalding has taken over from Jess Williamson and Lauren Armstrong as A Grade coach, allowing the pair to focus on their own on court games for the new season.

Spalding said she is confident the team can continue its rise up the ladder and capitalise on the growth within the group in 2017.

“I do not coach to do anything else but make finals,” she said.

“When you coach an A grade side, if you do not have that to strive for then you’ll only probably be mediocre.”

The team will take a heavy focus into the new season about continuing to read each other across the court.

The chemistry within the team is set to continue to increase after a full season playing with each other already and no major changes to the team expected.

The club has not looked to bring in any new players, instead backing in the organic growth within the group to help increase performances on the court and add to the win tally in 2018.

The group will have an interrupted start to the season with four weeks between its round one and two match, due to the Easter scheduling but strong numbers at training has Spalding excited about getting the season started.

The Ararat Rats start their season with a clash against rivals Stawell Warriors at Alexandra Oval on Good Friday.

Is there any players that you have noticed during the preseason that have stepped up from last season?

From listening to the girls, I think it is more that they can feel like because there is a non-playing coach, so it means the two coaches from last season can concentrate on their own game.

What are some of the things you want to implement this season?

To certainly have a really strong attacking end. To have confidence in each other, support each other and have each other’s back.

How much of a focus has been about working on the mental side of the game?

Even at training, I like to make it competitive and I like them to be disappointed if a pass goes out of court or does not hit the target, so making them accountable is important.