CHAMPIONS of the past two seasons, White Hills begins its quest for an A-grade netball premiership when the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League starts on Good Friday, with the round 16 match brought forward.
A talented White Hills has home-court advantage as it takes on Elmore at Tint-A-Car Oval in Scott Street.
The A-grade match between the Demons and Bloods starts at 5.15pm.
Both clubs were in top form throughout the 2019 season.
White Hills celebrated another A-grade title as it scored a 10-goal win against Colbinabbin in the 2019 decider at Huntly.
Elmore was denied a place in the grand final as Colbinabbin clinched a dramatic preliminary final by a goal.
In the 2019 campaign, White Hills dominated the home-and-away series contests with Elmore.
The round four match at White Hills ended in a 24-goal victory for the hosts.
The Demons then fired up to score a 34-goal win at Elmore in the 13th round.
Last time these clubs met was the qualifying final on August 24, 2019 at Gunbower where White Hills won 53-34.
A new-look White Hills takes to the court this season.
A dual premiership-winning coach and star mid-courter, Lauren Bowles starts a fourth season in charge, but this time as a non-playing coach.
Only one player, Danni Wee-Hee in mid-court remains from the 2019 A-grade premiership winning team in the red and black.
Bowles is confident the strength of the A-reserve team of recent seasons will be a key factor in the Demons staying on or near the top of the ladder.
Key recruits at White Hills are Alyssa Cole and Molly Johnston, while Emily Gloury, Katelyn Parry and Olivia Treloar are among those who make the step from A-reserve to A-grade.
Elmore welcomes several recruits to bolster a talented squad.
The club has made dramatic improvement in the past two seasons and coach Sue Borserio will be keen to see that continue.
Newcomers for the Bloods include Tahnee Cannan, Anna Circelli, Allira Holmes, Bridget Murray and Kelsey Niven.
Round one in the HDFNL season is scheduled to start on April 10.
A tough start for Elmore rolls on as the Bloods are at home to Colbinabbin.
North Bendigo hosts Huntly at Atkins Street Reserve, and Heathcote takes on Lockington Bamawm United on the Saints court at Pigeon Park.
White Hills is at home again to play Leitchville Gunbower, and Mount Pleasant has the bye.
Written by Nathan Dole