Jeff Andrews is coaching Macedon again in 2017. Photo: Kylie Else
Macedon Football Netball Club season preview.
Football
After finishing second at the end of the 2016 RDFNL home and away season, the Cats exited the finals in straight sets with losses to the two Grand Finalists, Diggers Rest and Riddell; the latter in one of the matches of the season.
Injuries played a cruel role in the club's fortunes last season, but the reality is, the club has not won a Senior final in a long time.
Jeff Andrews will coach the team again in his fourth season. He has coached the team to three finals in the past two seasons and the club is hoping to continue its success in reaching that part of the season.
Damien Fitzpatrick, Alistair Meldrum and Steve Wylie are notable departures from the 2016 list. Erroll McConnell, Jonathan Barnett, Chris Kilmartin and the returning Matt Dick join the list.
Dick is an important addition to the squad having played his junior football at Macedon before crossing to the Calder Cannons, Sydney Swans and Carlton. His experience is invaluable.
The Cats started its season in style with a win over Wallan in Round One and eagerly await Rupertswood in a Round Two Anzac Day blockbuster.
Zac Smedley is one of the young stars to watch this year. He has had two years of Senior football experience; has enjoyed a solid pre-season; has quality players around him; and most importantly has an appetite for work and improving.
Jonathan Barnett is a key player to look out for. He is a handy addition to the team who is a strong bodied defender with a great pair of hands and good kick.
The Cats identify Diggers Rest and Rupertswood as the two teams to beat this year. They are both well coaches and have added quality to their already impressive depth.
Macedon test themselves early when they take on Rupertswood in front of a massive crowd next Tuesday.
Netball
Macedon was pipped at the post in the Grand Final by a rampaging Riddell outfit.
The ability of the Cats to make the big stage is a testament to its improvement in recent seasons.
It heads into the season under the guidance of reigning Ryan Medallist and 2017 Senior RDFNL netball interleague coach Ciara Stewart. She is in her second season with the club and was the found and head coach of Plenty Valley Comets from 2002 to 2017 in Division One and Two. She was also A and B Grade coach for Winchelsea in 2014 and 15.
The club said good bye to Holly Burnip and Alisha Steven in the off-season but welcomed Katie Clarke, Tayla Hardiman and Bianca McKay.
Macedon is hoping to win the premiership this year after getting so close in 2016. It has hoping to take out the premiership in the B, C and Under 19s grades too. They are fillled with tremendous confidence and aim to be a successful club in 2017.
Tara Burnip and Chelsea Kemp are two yougn guns to watch in 2017. Both will enjoy their second year in A Grade as starting seven players and have so much potential.
"Chelsea is just 19 and playing Division One in Premier League, A Grade for us and this year was selected into the 19 and Under Monash VNL team," Stewart says.
"Tara is almost 18 years-old and already towers over every opponent she meets. One of our young guns with great movement in the circle and a very accurate shot."
The Cats will look to Katie Clarke and Janelle Birch to be two other key players in the squad this year. Both are tall, skinny and fit players that will prove to be a power house in defense.
Chloe Wilson is a dynamic goal attack who is quick to convert a turnover and is deadly in the Macedon goal ring.
Stewart has one team in her sights for 2017 as the team to beat.
"We think Romsey will have a strong team again this year with their gaps being filled with some very handy pick ups," Stewart says.
Last Modified on 18/04/2017 13:55