Eagles set sights on finals flight

NEWTOWN & Chilwell’s lone loss in 2023 so far came at the hands of last season’s premiers Colac, but both of last year’s grand finalists are slated to meet once more before the end of the season.

Eagles mentor-coach Jason Woolley is confident the Eagles can continue to soar in the run home to finals with the assistance of new co-coaches Andrew McInerny and Kath Nutt.

Newtown & Chilwell is riding momentum from three straight wins and the overall feeling, according to the long-standing coach, is positive.

“Over the past few years, the team has been in sort of a rebuild on the back of a long period of success,” Woolley said.

“Those players that were key pieces in previous years are either still playing or moving into motherhood, so there’s some excitement among the ranks that our veteran players can really lead and help grow some of our youngsters.

“Players like Joselyn Bennetts, Ruby Pekin-Schlicht and Alex Booker have come into the side this year either from the junior level or B Grade and have performed really well.”

The Eagles, presently sitting second in the Geelong Netball League (GNL) standings with 10 wins and one loss, have three finals contenders listed on its schedule to conclude the 2023 campaign.

A home fixture will take place against St Albans this weekend before two blockbuster games against reigning best-and-fairest winner Ellen Doyle’s fifth-placed South Barwon, and sixth-placed Bell Park.

Newtown & Chilwell’s Round 16 clash with Colac at Elderslie Reserve will likely determine the minor premiership on August 12, before concluding the season against Lara and Leopold.

Woolley stated the Eagles will be without its star shooter Uneeq Palavi for the next three games due to Netball World Cup obligations with Tonga.

Palavi ranks sixth in scoring with 293 goals from a mere 326 attempts from just seven games through 12 rounds.

Super Netball star and Newtown midcourter Vanessa Augustini made her season debut a fortnight ago against Grovedale following her pregnancy.

Amy Wirth and Sarah Wolff have also returned to the Eagles roster this season, along with captain Julia Woolley and Geelong Cougars representative Zanna Woods.

“The next few weeks are a rather tough run, but we hope to improve as we move along,” Woolley said.

“We do expect a bit of disruption with Uneeq going to the World Cup, but with players in and out due to high level commitments, it will provide a lot of our younger players to get some crucial A Grade experience ahead of finals.”

The Eagles and St Albans kick off action at Elderslie Reserve at 1.45pm Saturday.