‘It’s been tough’, but Lara is building for the future

AFTER a difficult start to the 2026 season, Lara’s netball program is focused firmly on the future.

Following the recess of the club’s senior men’s football side in early February, netball numbers declined sharply in response, leaving uncertainty around the season ahead.

Head coach Chris Camilleri was initially left without a team, but after securing an exemption to compete in the lower grades, the club has embraced a development-focused approach aimed at building a stable foundation for years to come.

“It’s been tough,” he said. “People were panicking. I was quite happy to finally get the season started.”

Camilleri rejected the suggestion Lara’s 2025 A-grade side had simply moved en masse into a lower division.

Instead, he said the few experienced players who remained at the club have played a vital role in supporting a young and inexperienced group.

Veterans including co-captain Claire Newcombe have provided invaluable leadership both on and off the court, helping nurture the next generation of players.

“People outside don’t always see there’s been a lot of work going for the last few months and a lot of hard decisions to make as a committee on which way we’re going to go and what’s happening,” Camilleri said.

“It’s a good chance to try and develop and we’re just going to keep reminding ourselves that it’s not the perfect scenario we’ve got this year.

“The results might not be immediate, but we’re building something.”

With teenagers as young as 14 lining up in the Cats’ top side each week, managing player workloads has become a key priority.

Representative commitments, school and work come first, and Camilleri knows keeping players engaged and enjoying their netball is crucial to the club’s future.

“They’re still kids, and they’re still developing,” he said.

“They still need to be nurtured and encouraged and made sure they’re looked after.

“Some people think it’d be daunting, but most of them have stepped up and gone ‘Beauty, let’s go. Let’s give it a crack’.

“There’s no pressure on them to perform. We just wanted to do their best.

“Yeah, we want wins, but at the moment, it’s all about their development.”

Retention remains a major focus across both the senior and junior ranks.

Camilleri said the players at Lara love their club and are committed to it, so he is committed to ensuring they can continue to play.

He is optimistic that with patience and time, the club can become a force in top-grade netball.