Malone arrives from the Warrack Eagles where she was a key mid-court player. With Malone, the Warrack Eagles have continually made finals across the last several seasons and won the Wimmera Netball Association's minor premiership in 2018.

Malone has since moved to Horsham for work and said she was excited to be entering a new league.

"I work with a few girls from Laharum so I came down here and it was a friendly and welcoming environment," Malone said. 

"I'm excited to see how we go and to play against new teams and new girls in the district league this year. The season has crept up really quickly, but I'm looking forward to it."

Malone's experience and ability has been immediately noticed at Laharum and she has been granted the role of vice captain. Bec McIntyre will captain the side after stepping down as head coach.

Both the Warrack Eagles and Laharum had a disappointing end to the season in 2018, with Warrack crashing out in straight sets while Laharum lost in a nail-biting grand final. 

Malone said while she wasn't thinking too far ahead, she was hoping the team's finals experience would hold them in good stead this time around.

"Last season was a bit disappointing, I can't lie about that," Malone said.

"It would be nice to peak at the right time of year this time and to carry some good form through to finals.

"I don't know much about how Laharum's team has changed, but there is a really good mix of experience and juniors here. I'm hoping it should be a good year."

Laharum co-coach Caitlin Story said Malone was a terrific acquisition for the club. 

"It's huge to pick her up," Story said. "I think the mid-court was where we were lacking a bit.

"We had a young core in their last year but with Zandria, she has great knowledge and experience.

"It will be great to have a cool head in the middle, someone that can calm things down when we need it. I'm really looking forward to seeing what she brings."

Laharum take on Noradjuha-Quantong at home in round one, while fellow premiership fancies Natimuk United face a tough task away from home against Swifts.

Harrow-Balmoral face Kalkee in an intriguing contest at Balmoral, Pimpinio will travel to take on Edenhope-Apsley, and Taylors Lake are looking for their first win in more than a year against Rupanyup.