Grubbers to go one step further in 2023

Co-coach/player Rebecca O'Neill (left) and co-coach Candice Parker (right) watch on.

OCEAN Grove’s new-look roster will hope to take the Grubbers one step further in 2023 compared to last season, with last year’s Grand Final defeat to Geelong Amateur still burning fresh.

New co-coach Candice Parker, alongside shooter and co-coach Rebecca O’Neill, said ultimately, a Grand Final win in 2022 was the goal, but the time for reflection is long past.

Ocean Grove begins its campaign against Torquay on April 1. Pictured is two-way player Georgia Berry.

Parker’s side will have its work cut out for them in Round 1 at Spring Creek Reserve, against a Torquay side that finds itself in a very similar boat to the Grubbers, falling just short of its premiership aspirations.

“It would be nice to get that first win against Torquay, we will always have that mentality of winning each week, but as a coach, looking from the sidelines this season, as long as we’re all working together and running those structures we’ve been putting in place I’ll be happy,” Parker said.

Ocean Grove’s departures of Jess Rankin, Kelsey Ollis, Anna Smith left recruiters with the challenge of reinvigorating its defence and experience, but Parker is confident some new blood will lead the charge back to the top five.

Colac’s Georgia Finn will swap the yellow and black for the red and white, coming over from the GNL side, Georgia Berry returns after a few years’ rest, and Jessica Thwaites of Warrnambool will hope to add more depth to the Grubbers’ attacking third with a few more pieces still to add.

“Our preseason outings have prepared us well for Round 1, but we won’t change too much from the brand of netball we played last year,” Parker added.

“We’ve strengthened some aspects of our game this offseason and we’ve added some depth as well.

“Our work rate continues to be a main strength of ours and we’ll continue to rely on that deep into contests, we’ve all had a full preseason.

“Our speed is also one of the things we have that should provide challenges to opponents throughout the season. ”

O’Neill, Ashton O’Brien, Emily Moroney, Georgia Ryan make up most of the core unit staying on from last season, with B Grade Grand Final MVP Claudia Britt also on the fringes of A Grade selection.