Burra fly into season full of optimism

SEBASTOPOL coach Kiya Eberle says her players are embracing the challenge of looking to rise up the BFNL ladder as they prepare for their season opener against East Point this Saturday.

It’s been a busy off-season for the Burra, who have brought in a solid mix of recruits and players returning from a break from the game, and will benefit from some extra availability from some part-timers, including gun goal shooter Adut Manyiel.

The goaling stocks have been boosted by the addition of former St Joseph’s-Geelong league star Laura Bell, while defensively, the Burra have gained the athletic Taylor Finch and welcomed back long-time A-grader Nikki Allen, who returns after a year off to start a family with partner Samuel.

Bell will carry the extra mantle as assistant coach.

Finch and Allen will join last year’s best and fairest Alice Kain in a defence sure to pose formidable resistance to the league’s powerhouse shooting circles.

Among the causes for optimism at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve is the change in role for Tahlia Watts, who will move back into the midcourt following a string season in defence last year.

“Tahlia is a very strong ball handler, so we’ll push her all the way down the court,” Eberle said.

“She played mid in 2024, but was pushed back into the circle last year as we had a very young group.

“We have bit of experience in the team now, so she’ll go back to centre.

“She moves the ball really well and is really strong on circle’s edge, and obviously still has those great defensive skills.”

Into her second year as A-grade coach after four as under-19s mentor, Eberle said Watts has responded magnificently to her new responsibilities and was confident the Burra would benefit from the switch.

“She is really excited to keep learning new things about netball,” she said.

From last year’s shooting circle, Keeley Clarke and Maya O’Donohue have both moved on, while midcourter Maddie Lewis has returned to the Central Highlands league.

Those moves will be in part offset of the availability of silky shooting goaler Manyiel, who the Burra are hoping to have for about half of their games as she continues her studies in Melbourne.

 

A freshen up of the A-grade side has brought with it plenty of excitement and a subtle rise in expectations, according to Eberle.

“It’s a great bunch; there’s a lot of passion, a lot of energy and they are really excited about the season ahead,” she said.

“We played a practice match in Port Fairy and another against Buninyong and were excited about what we’ve put out on the court.

“There’s a real desire to improve our netball this season and to continue to grow the club.”

For the Port Fairy clash, the Burra fielded a mix of A and B-graders, but were closer to full strength against Buninyong.

The East Point side the Burra come up against in round 1 will have one hit-out already under their belt, having played Bacchus Marsh in a standalone game on Good Friday.

The Kangaroos gave a solid account of themselves in a narrow five-goal loss.

Eberle said the wait until after Easter had only left the Burra more pumped to get cracking.

“We’ve put a lot of work in, so we’ll be relying on those systems we have put in and the connection among the girls,” she said.

“Fingers crossed that work can make us stronger.

“We would really like to sneak into the six.

“I feel we ‘ve got depth, defence, offence and real push down the mid with Makayla (Wright) and Hannah (Atkinson) returning in our midcourt, who are really young, but really dynamic players.

“I feel in terms of recruits, we have really attracted the right people.

“We’re really hoping to push teams this season.

“There is some phenomenal netball played in the BFNL. The great thing is that not only can girls play for their community, but they get to play against some damn good netballers from across the region and state.

“It’s tough netball, but exciting to be a part of and it builds tough netballers too.”