PRESSURE is key for Elmore Bloods in Saturday night’s A-grade netball reigning premier Colbinabbin as they meet in the Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold Mine Heathcote DFNL match.
The Bloods and Grasshoppers will play on Elmore’s court from 5.45pm.
It’s a new era for Elmore as Adam Boldiston takes charge as coach.
A long and successful coaching career for Boldiston includes a premiership victory with Maiden Gully YCW Eagles in the Loddon Valley in 2023.
He previously coached Victoria’s under-20 men’s team, was in charge at Monash University in the Victorian Netball League, and also had a coaching stint with Sunbury Lions.
The Bloods will be determined to hit back after last season’s run was ended in a 46-47 loss to Huntly in the elimination final.
Newcomers for Elmore include Lily Den Houting and Mackenzie Evans as they team up with Abbey Hromenko, Abbey Hay, Ashleigh Ripper and Kelsey Niven.
It’s a formidable squad coached by Jen McIntyre which will represent Colbinabbin once again.
Key players in the club’s unbeaten run to last season’s premiership included Grace and Matilda McIntyre, Esther Cheatley medallist Ella Kerlin, Olivia McEvoy and Kasey Conder.
Ellie Cuttriss has joined the green and gold.
Game one of the ’26 season will be played at Gunbower from 2.30pm when Leitchville Gunbower takes on Mount Pleasant.
Big test for Bombers who have welcomed back Katie Pollock as A-grade coach.
The LG squad includes Carmen Dye, Jodie Lake, Lucy Palmer and Courtney West.
Runner-up in ’25, Mount Pleasant recruited top goaler Kelsey Meade from Sandhurst to be assistant to coach Anthea McCleary.
The Blues’ squad includes Aishling Tupper, Matisse Perez and Ruby Loverso.
Another big match will be at Scott Street in White Hills where the Demons host the Harlowe Huntly Hawks.
The Elley Lawton-coached White Hills was a preliminary finalist last season as the Hawks finished fourth.
The Demons’ squad includes Annie Spear, Issy Eliades, Serryn Eenjes and Daisy Stringer.
A Hawks’ squad again coached by Kym Bell and Ashlea Sherlock includes newcomer Marli Easton from Cohuna.
Players to watch in the brown and gold include Jasmin and Rylee Gallagher, Jess Hinrichsen and Phoebe Kane.
Lockington Bamawm United will be on its court at Lockington’s Nichol Trading Oval to play North Bendigo.
Stacy Bacon steps up to be LBU’s A-grade coach.
Sixth last season, North Bendigo again has Kiralee Kinder in charge as the red, white and blue strives to play finals.
The Bulldogs’ squad includes Rachael Gray, Courtney Hargreaves, Sarah Appleby and Jeanette Ross.
Heathcote has the bye.