SOUTH Rovers coach Kylie Carter is confident her side's emerging talents and off-season recruits can stand up at senior level in 2021.
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Carter, who was reappointed as the club's A grade coach, was excited to see what her group could do in the Warrnambool and District league's top grade this season.
"We had a practice match against South Warrnambool and another one against Dennington, which went well," she said.
"It's just about getting the girls to work together, feel how each other plays and work on strategies."
The Lions lost a majority of their senior list in the lead up to the 2020 season. It lost former coach Jess Rohan, midcourter Lisa Pender and goalie Abby Sheehan to Panmure.
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Zahra Walker, the 2019 17 and under best and fairest, is one of the Lions' junior graduates expected to shine in 2021 while Lena Wright, Merinda Ugle-Hagan and Bridget Hampton have joined from East Warrnambool.
Lily Schrama, who played at East and Panmure, also joined the club.
"They will bring some freshness and some youth to the side," Carter said.
"We are excited to be back on court and they have lots of energy and are willing to learn. It's the best you can ask for."
Former Horsham resident Keziah Freeman will also play for the Lions after recently arriving at the club.
Carter said the midcourter "just rocked up on our doorstep" and strengthens her young side.
"A grade players don't just turn up on your doorstop but she did and she is a really strong midcourter and a strong leader as well," she said.
The premiership-winning coach said her side's biggest challenge this season was how their opposition will play. She also hopes her players regain their passion after a year off.
"The unknown is we haven't played together and everyone is in the same boat of not having played for over a year," she said.
"We are unsure what our opposition brings until you are a few games in.
"You also have to make the game enjoyable otherwise there is no point. I like to win as much as next the person but the girls in the end have to have a good time on court as well."
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