Lions ready to make finals jump in 2023

THE Belmont Lions concluded its 2022 netball campaign smack-bang in the middle of the Geelong & District Netball League (GDNL) cohort, falling two spots short of finals contention.

Anthony Burton’s pursuit of a finals appearance took a step in the wrong direction in Saturday’s Round 1, 53-39 loss against Winchelsea, led by Margaret Webb medallist Gemma Stavenuiter.

Burton’s side has the Easter weekend off to regroup, and aim to put preseason preparations to use against Bannockburn on April 15.

“Our preseason has been pretty good overall,” Burton said before Round 1.

“We’ve added some new faces, we’ve also lost some, but the core group of A Graders has remained, but our main objective will remain breaking into finals.

“It’s been a long time since Belmont made finals and we came very close last year.”

Belmont’s major addition in City West Falcons recruit Anger Akec will bolster the side in 2023, while Rachael Kirtley will don the mantle of captain, return to her natural defensive position after playing in the middle third in 2022. Kyia Filipovic and Elonie O’Brien are back at Winter Reserve as well, while Angelique Ross and Olivia Edwards will form the scoring front.

“We did bleed goals a bit last year, and we also narrowly lost games to those consistent top five sides, so we were right there, but I personally believe that with a bit more familiarity and time together, we can finally make that jump,” Burton added.

“The challenge has been laid before us, and I have seen this season’s group gel together well.

“We’ve lost a little bit of height this year, but I think our camaraderie will shine through in the long run.”

Belmont’s Round 2 clash against Bannockburn will take place at Victoria Park before its home opener against Thomson on April 22.