Warrnambool and District netball coaches pick their 2019 most improved

She admitted she was nervous for her first match but enjoyed stepping up to the top grade.

Now that youngster is playing full games, shooting big goal tallies and is her coach's most improved.

Over at Reid Oval another youngster has become a pivotal defender.

Midcourters are also taking it up a notch.

There are calming influences at Allansford and Russells Creek.

The Standard asked Warrnambool and District league netball coaches for their most improved player.

Here's what they said.

Sophie Bellman

Coach Bridget Foster believes Bellman has shown great leadership in a young team.

"She's been our midcourt general at the moment and been very calming and and leads by example," she said of the experienced centre.

"She doesn't get frustrated."

Zoe Fleming

"As the weeks have progressed she has gotten stronger, she presents beautifully and is not scared to match it with the big girls," coach Josie Bolden said of her 16-year-old star.

"She can play both ends, defence and goals.

"I'm just rapt for her and for her netball.

"I think she is going to go a long way."

Ivy Clark

Coach Donna Chatfield said Clark had come along leaps and bounds since stepping up to A grade.

Clark, a goal keeper, played A reserve last season but has been a regular in the top grade this year.

"She has stood up and is probably our best defender," Chatfield said.

The Bombers mentor said her tall defender used her height to advantage and took rebounds.

Holly Richardson

Coach Kym Goonan said it was hard to pick a most improved because she is the only player remaining from the 2018 A grade side.

But she said experienced goal keeper Holly Richardson had been a standout this season.

"She always gives 110 per cent and always tries so hard," she said.

"She's good at being able to pick up on what her opponent is doing and coming up with ways to counteract that."

Chantelle Moloney

"We've played her in a few different positions and she's really taken on that role defensively and is trying to get stops for us," said coach Carly Peake.

"No matter what role she plays, she goes out and gives it a crack.

"When she's switched on, she's hard to beat."

Georgia Haberfield

"I've really thrown a spanner in the works for her, I've thrown her through goals, through the midcourt and through defence and I think she has adjusted accordingly," said coach Steph Townsend.

"She's starting to play some really good netball, very consistent netball.

"This is probably the best season she's had in the four years I've coached her so it's really nice to see her improving."

Maggie Kline

"She has really come into her own, developing a level of confidence and trying out new things with her game," coach Meagan Forth said of her young goalie.

"I think it's just the variation, whether she plays in front or whether she gets a hold, or she feeds to another goalie.

"Obviously her accuracy has been really impressive but she has also been lifting her defensive work rate."

Charlotte Lenehan and Emily Byers

"Week-to-week she has shown strengths and held up to stronger bodies on the court," coach Stacy Dunkley said of 17-year-old Lenehan.

"Her shot for goal has improved immensely, she's a really nice shot."

Dunkley's other big improver is former Warrnambool Rangers soccer star Byers.

"She's sticking with her players really well," Dunkley said of the defender.

The Bulldogs mentor said Byers had to adjust to the stepping rule in netball and had improved a lot in that area.

Marino Vickers

"It's just her intensity throughout the season, she has come along in leaps and bounds," assistant coach Rhi Davis said of the goal keeper.

"She has stepped up to become part of one of the best defensive ends in the league.

"She's managed to find a bit of self-belief and it's showing on the court."

Davis said captain Lisa Pender's on-court leadership had been vital and goal attack Abby Sheehan was "developing into an all-round beautiful attacking goalie".

Rachel Hansen

"What we've really worked on with her is getting her to calm down with the ball in the attacking end," coach Thalia Robertson said of her recruit.

"Her patience has improved.

"Her defensive pressure has been quite good as well."

Hansen plays centre and switched from Old Collegians during the off-season.

Hollie Castledine

"She has really stepped up to the challenge of senior ranks," coach Leah Sinnott said of her goal defence.

"She played reserves at Camperdown last year, probably in a combination of defence and wings.

"She's really stepped into her role as one of our main defenders, adding voice to the team."

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