Newcomb powering up as standings take shape

A NEW finals contender of the Bellarine Netball League is on the rise following the competition’s first four rounds.

Alongside last year’s two grand finalists Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur, Newcomb stands out as one of three undefeated clubs heading into Round 5.

Power A Grade coach Lisa Robinson says the group has rallied together since last season, after missing out on last year’s finals.

“Our ability to play as a team has been exemplary to this point. We really back ourselves and we know we are a fit side to run out the full four quarters,” Robinson said.

“Last season we repeatedly let ourselves down in one quarter of games, but now we can maintain that pressure and perform at a high intensity for the full game.

“That’s been a major key for us to this point and we’ll look to continually better ourselves as the season rolls on.”

Newcomb, who finished one spot out of finals in 2023, has already toppled two of last year’s finalists in Barwon Heads and a winless Torquay side, sending an early warning shot to the rest of the competition.

The Power has also seamlessly integrated its two new squad additions Sarah Mulqueen from East Burwood and Lisa Stafford, who arrived from Stawell.

The Power will take on another of last year’s finalists, a preliminary finalist in Queenscliff, but Robinson said her side is excited for the test.

“We’re obviously really excited for the Queenscliff game; we celebrated the win here on the weekend against Barwon Heads, but we shifted focus quickly to the Coutas.

“They bring a lot of different challenges to the table for us, and they have a different personnel compared to last year, but there’s no going past what Kaitlin Gladman brings to the table for that side.

“A two-time best and fairest and a big threat at the scoring end, our main objective is limiting her getting the ball and continuing to put our brand of pressure on Queenscliff all over the court.

“If we can knock Queenscliff off, I think it’s safe to say we’re sending a message to other clubs we belong in that top four or five conversation.”