Ammos trusting the process

HEAVILY touted Bellarine Netball League (BNL) favourites Geelong Amateur are on a mission to finish what they started in 2021, but that objective is easier said than done.

After suffering a heartbreaking one-goal loss to fellow premiership contenders Ocean Grove last Saturday, Ammos’ first loss of the season, the spacing at the top of the BNL ladder suggests it isn’t as clear-cut as many might have thought.

Nevertheless, Geelong Amateur head coach Riley Richardson said one thing is for certain, any accomplishments this season will come through a team-first mentality.

“This season compared to last season we already had a bit of a launching pad in terms of retaining eight out of our 10 players,” Richardson said.

“Each week, we go out and we try to play our own style of play without worrying too much about the opposition, we have our gameplan, we have our strategy, and we just go out and try to implement that.”

With a lot of the campaign still to be played, no one is looking past the powerhouse at Queens Park Reserve.

Richardson has plenty of threats to opposing teams, one at least in each third.

Keisha Guilmartin continues to be brick wall at the non-scoring end headlining the best defence in the league statistically, having allowed just 238 goals through eight games, the fewest in the league.

Ashlea Creasey remains a key weapon for Richardson, wreaking havoc in the centre and transferring that success to Ruby Watson, who keeps the pressure on defenders every time she plays at the scoring end.

“I’m really happy across the board, I really want to stress that, I’m having a nice time,” Richardson said.

“Out on-court we have girls in informal leadership position who can keep the ship steady during the games, but what I appreciate is that everyone is accountable and able to speak up within the team’s environment.”

The Ammos have no time to dwell on its loss to Ocean Grove as they prepare for a visit to Torquay to face the Tigers, the only undefeated team remaining in the BNL, but Richardson is remaining composed.

“For us as a team, we are more focused on the process than getting too attached to the results,” Richardson said.

“If we play our style and we get beaten then that’s the way the cookie crumbles, but we’re here to try new things and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“We’re always building towards September.”

Geelong Amateur’s contest against Torquay at McCartney Courts kicks off at 1.50pm this Saturday to headline Round 9.