Cougars ready to pounce on season 2022

GEELONG Netball Club’s championship Cougars side will again commence their 2019 title defence with head coach Gerard Murphy saying all signs are pointing to a successful campaign in 2022.

It has been more than 900 days since the Victorian Netball League has had a grand final played, in which the last time it occurred, the Geelong Cougars defeated Casey Demons 69 to 55 preceding interrupted seasons in 2020 and 2021.

The Cougars are now just six days from beginning their 2022 season against Hawks Netball at the State Netball Centre with a high-calibre line-up ready to hit the hardwood.

Brooke Allan, Geelong Netball League Best and Fairest Tori Honner, Georgette Paatsch and Bellarine Netball League Best and Fairest Jess Standfield will fill the defensive third as one of the strongest back walls in the state.

Meanwhile, shooters Bridget Furphy, Julia Wooley, Zanna Woods and Torquay’s Daisy O’Kane will look to produce at the other end.

Centre courters Melissa Bragg, Ally O’Connor, Colac’s Zara Walters and Emily Post round out the middle, while dual-Liz Ellis Diamond Award winner Madi Browne is slated to fill in throughout the year.

“The desired outcome for this season is to win a premiership,” Murphy said.

“Look, we only win premierships by focusing on our key activities and each of our roles and responsibilities, so that’s really the emphasis here.

“If everyone plays well against any team, we have the capability to win.

“We have a de-emphasis on winning so to say, it’s more about doing a good job within our own roles.”

The Cougars’ pre-season contest against Melbourne Uni two weeks ago was a good chance for Murphy to see his side in action before the opening pass this season.

The team’s performance coupled with a successful preseason is building the anticipation to get off on the right foot.

“The team is excited and so am I,” Murphy said.

“All teams did well against Melbourne Uni and I’m happy with how it went as well. I feel we are positioned really well for the season starting on the 16th.

“Participation numbers at trainings until now have been great and if our preseason testing is anything to go by, the girls have significantly improved in that regard, and we have no major injuries.”

The Cougars will play its first home game in Geelong come Round 2 against City West Falcons at Christian College Highton on March 27.

The Championship side is set for a 2.30pm start time.