Old Collegians to be new-look side in WDFNL 2021

The Warriors mentor said the average age of her group was about 20 years old.

She'll be encouraging her side to enjoy netball's return after the 2020 Warrnambool and District league season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"To have fun is our biggest team motto this year - enjoy what we're doing on the court - and consistency," she said.

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The top-grade team will be vastly different to the one which took the court in a semi-final loss in 2019.

Toleman confirmed goalie Maggie Kline (moved for uni), former co-coach Meagan Forth (Nirranda) and Nicole O'shannessy (Russells Creek) were among the departures.

Kline was the league's most prolific goal scorer in 2019 with 665 goals at an average of 36.4 per match.

But the Warriors have gained midcourters Grace Bell (Koroit) and Hannah Garner (South Rovers) as well as defender Emily Jansen Van Beek (Timboon Demons).

Bell was in the Saints' division one team which lost a Hampden league (HFNL) preliminary final in 2019.

Toleman said the trio had intended to play for the club in 2020.

The coach added she had essentially retained the same team she had ready for last year's cancelled season.

Gun midcourter Emily Porra has returned after having a baby in 2020 in a boost for the club.

While there has been significant change, Toleman is looking forward to the what the future holds.

She's excited to build something together and create good habits with her new-look team.

Old Collegians played HFNL club, Warrnambool, in a practice match last week.

Toleman was pleasantly surprised with her group's performance given the long break from the sport.

The Warriors leader felt it was a great opportunity to try combinations ahead of the season.

She said the top-grade outfit would also have a hit-out against South West District league club, Westerns.

The group will continue to train Thursday nights in the lead up to their Good Friday clash against Merrivale at home.

There'll be plenty for fans to be excited about in round one as Merrivale has a host of recruits including Jess Haberfield (Dennington) and Jess McKenzie (North Warrnambool Eagles).

Toleman confirmed talented youngster Chelsea Quinn was playing for the Warriors this season.

Old Collegians has Panmure in round two and Dennington in round three.

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