Tigers netballers ready to launch

TORQUAY’S senior netball side is looking to boost their chances of securing a premiership this season, locking in five ambitious players to its A Grade line-up.

Welcoming Grovedale siblings Hayley and Shari Livingston as well as former Tigers coach Jessica Standfield, the team is preparing for some fastpaced games and strong competition.

Scoring flags in 2013 and 2017 as well as placing third in last year’s competition, Torquay has proven their skills on the court, but the addition of new and familiar faces to this year’s squad has coach Courtney Cuolahan excited for what’s ahead.

“Our fitness has been building over the last few weeks. Everyone enjoys their fitness anyway, but we have really been focusing on match fitness with practice matches,” she said.

“The Livingston girls have blended right on in with the playing group and have been quick to put their hands up to help out in fundraising and social get togethers which has helped with on court relationships.

“We are very much looking forward to having them out on court for us, both being extremely fit and competitive, they will be a huge assist. We welcome back Jessica Standfield from having her baby, Emmy. Jess is a natural leader and her on court presence will be massive for us.”

Cuolahan said the Tigers have also strengthened their B Grade side which will see the team fight until the end.

“We really wanted to be strong across the whole club and so far the preseason intraclub matches have been super competitive which is a good sign,” she said.

“Modda (Modewarre) look again to be the team to beat having only lost one player from their grand final side last year, but all teams have recruited well so I think the league will be stronger than last year.

“This year there won’t be too many games where you can afford to be off because the calibre of teams is high. It could be the difference between making the finals or missing out.”

A Grade team – Daisy O’Kane, Hayley Livingston, Courtney Cuolahan, Rebecca Trennery, Maddy Martin, Krystin Trewin, Lauren Berridge, Shari Livingston, Anna Masek, Jessica Standfield and Bridget Aughton.

The Tigers’ senior women’s football team is gearing up to go head-to-head with Geelong Amateurs this Saturday, April 6 at McCartney Oval.

“Excited to begin the season this Saturday at McCartney Oval in Torquay before the senior men,” said senior women’s coach Tim Humphries.

“It has been a long build up and the team are looking forward to running out onto the field together for the first time.”