Unbeaten Eagles aiming to soar long into the future

NETBALL powerhouse Newtown and Chilwell is thinking about more than getting the job done week-to-week.

When asked about the GNFL team’s focus, coach Andrew McInerney said the Eagles were taking steps to ensure a strong future as well as improving their connections on court.

“That’s what we’ll be working on in the next 4-5 weeks, just trying to get a little bit more court time into these young ones around the experience of the older ones,” he said.

“It’s not just the coaches coaching, it’s the experienced players helping to mold these young players.

“The long-term goal is probably next year, that two of them, Olivia Powell and Holly Adams-Alcock, will be in that A grade team pretty much every week.”

McInerney also said the Eagles were looking to promote from their undefeated B grade side.

Newtown and Chilwell is on top of the ladder with four wins after beating Geelong West Giants 68-44 away in round 3.

Goal shooter Mikaela Vaughan knocked down 41 goals while goal attack Julia Woolley netted 27, achieving their highest shooting percentage of the season.

Next is a home battle against Leopold tomorrow (Saturday, May 10) at 1.40pm.

The Eagles have enjoyed convincing wins since holding off 2024 grand finalist St Joseph’s in round 1 to win 43-41.

“Against St Joeys we were very surprised about how we took the court and basically performed seamlessly right from the word go,” McInerney said.

Young gun defender Mia van Wyk, who hasn’t played since round 1, has been out with a foot injury.

“She’s hoping one more week out and then she might be back,” McInerney said.

St Mary’s is hosting Grovedale in an enticing fourth versus fifth match-up tomorrow.