Saints front up to on-court challenges

NOW in charge as coach of Heathcote’s A-grade netball team, Anna Dundon said rebuilding confidence and belief would be key goals as the season rolls on.

It’s been a change at the top for the Saints after the resignation of A-grade coach and key defender Chloe Meulenmeesters.

It was Dundon who stepped up from being netball operations manager to coach A-grade in last Saturday’s match against Leitchville Gunbower at Pigeon Park in Heathcote’s Barrack Reserve.

The Dundon-coached Saints make their way to Elmore for this Saturday’s sixth round clash in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.

Both teams are on the rebound from defeat.

Playing Elmore on its court is another big challenge for the Saints team.

“We have a number of young players coming through, so it’s really about nurturing their growth,” Dundon said.

“A focus is developing their skills, building strong on-court combinations, and helping them understand how to work together as a team.

“There’s so much raw talent in this group.

“What we need now is consistency, and that comes from time together, strong coaching support, and the players continuing to back themselves.

“What we saw last weekend gave us a really promising glimpse of what this team is capable of, and it’s exciting to think about where that can lead.

“We are under no illusions.

“This season has its challenges, especially going up against some of the league’s best teams.

“The girls have shown they can match it with them in patches, and that gives us something to build on.

“Next step is turning those patches into quarters, and eventually full games.”

After featuring in the past two A-grade finals series, Heathcote is eighth in this season’s race on a one-three record.

“Right now the goal isn’t just to chase finals,” Dundon said.

“It’s to play our brand of netball, grow stronger each week, and build the kind of culture that attracts and retains players.

“If we can do that, then finals will come.

“There have been some standout individual performances this year,” Dundon said of Heathcote’s run against Mount Pleasant, Colbinabbin, Lockington Bamawm United and Leitchville Gunbower.

“We have had layers stepping up in key moments, younger ones taking on more responsibility, and a few who’ve really surprised with their leadership on and off the court.

“That growth is what I am most proud of as a coach.”

Heathcote FNC will not field an A-reserve team for the rest of this season.

“The club is already working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the netball program,” Dundon said.

“Recruiting new players, investing in development, and finding the right coaching fit for next season are all priorities.

“It’s a long-term vision, but the work we do now will set the foundation for success in the years to come.”

Positives for the Saints include the B-grade and B-reserve teams being in third place on the ladder.

In the run to the halfway mark of the home-and-away series Heathcote plays at Elmore this Saturday and then faces North Bendigo on May 31 at Pigeon Park.

Round eight will be away matches at White Hills before the showdown of the Saints and Harlowe Huntly Hawks on June 14 at Heathcote’s home in Barrack Reserve.