Panmure's defence looking strong ahead of WDFNL 2021

The 22-year-old was set to play for the club in the Warrnambool and District league last year before the season was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Terang Mortlake player is hoping 2021 is different.

She said the chance to play with former teammate and Bulldogs coach Josie Ellerton was a big part of why she had jumped on board.

Lourey explained the switch to Panmure also suited her busy schedule.

"I'm doing my grad year nursing this year so sort of just to fit in with the lifestyle," she said.

"And I can't really miss an opportunity to be coached by someone like Josie and play alongside Mandy Van Rooy," she said.

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Ellerton, earlier this week told The Standard, Van Rooy - the former South Warrnambool open grade coach - had returned to the club to play this season.

Lourey said she played division one netball with Ellerton at Terang Mortlake a few years ago.

The defender also looks forward to learning from the likes of Panmure's other recruits, including former South Rovers coach Jess Rohan.

"Obviously, I don't have a lot of experience with Warrnambool and District," she said.

"I played against Jess back in Hampden league juniors so I know exactly what she's capable of.

"She's a fantastic player so anything I can learn off her as a defender would just be unreal."

Lourey, who played juniors and seniors at Terang Mortlake, is grateful for the opportunities the Hampden league club gave her.

She won a 17 and under premiership with the Bloods.

"I played with a few of the girls that'll be playing open this year at Terang Mortlake so I'm excited to see how they go as well," she said.

"I loved my time at Terang Mortlake; it's good to have a change though.

"I played div one for a couple of seasons and played a couple of open games in 2018 and 2019 with Lisa Arundell when she was coaching there."

The Bulldogs had strong numbers and a vibrant atmosphere at training on Thursday night.

"I couldn't be more excited to be here, it's good to see a lot of the girls are excited as well," Lourey said of pre-season training.

"Hopefully, the earlier people get around it, than the better the season goes."

She said she had missed playing netball in 2020.

"I'm pretty passionate, I love to be (out and) about," she said.

"It was pretty horrible.

"It's good to see it's up and happening now and everyone is so excited."

Panmure will travel to play Dennington in its season-opener on April 10.

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