Mininera and District Netball Association begins on Saturday with teams returning to the courts for round one. The association will be without Ararat Eagles in their A Grade division.
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Association president Briony Robertson said although the outcome was disappointing it could have been worse.
"Their club was in crisis - so for them not to field an A Grade team will actually benefit the club for the longer term," she said.
"I look at it as a negative positive, I think it is the best result. Hopefully, it helps them become stronger."
Robertson said a priority for the association is building junior teams across the board despite some clubs, not fielding junior sides.
"SMW Rovers, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac and Lismore-Derrinallum will not be putting in a 17 and under team this year.
"SMW Rovers also won't be entering in a 15 and under team. They have good numbers in the 13 and under which is a good thing.
"We've had to grant some clubs exemptions to try and help as many clubs they can to get players on the court."
Association squad coordinator Claire Tucker said playing within the Mininera association is a "terrific" option for junior players wanting to take netball to other avenues.
"This season we will be taking three teams to Warrnambool for an inter-association competition," she said.
Tucker said there was be a panel to select the players who will attend to represent the association.
"There are a number of people involved in the selection processes, including club coaches," she said. "It's a great opportunity for players to be in front of some talent identification for netball."
A familiar face around the Mininera netball association is Chris Boyd - involved for more than 23 years from playing, coaching, umpiring and on the association board.
Although Boyd has taken a step back for the 2019 season of some duties, she keeps a watchful eye on teams and players throughout the competition.
"Glenthompson-Dunkeld has welcomed back in some experienced players into their side so I think they will be one to watch," she said.
"Woorndoo-Mortlake, premiers for the past three seasons, have lost some players. Association best and fairest Jess Cameron has moved over into a different league so will be a big loss for them.
"They will still be a competitive side but have lost some experience on the court."
With players exiting and entering teams, Boyd said she was looking forward to watching some inclusions on the court.
"Glenthompson-Dunkeld will welcome back in the Sommerville sisters who have a great dynamic on the court," she said.
"Woorndoo-Mortlake has recruited some players I haven't seen before and they will welcome Nicole Anderson back from having a baby."
A brief overview of key ins and outs of the 2019 Mininera Netball Association A Grade teams.
GREAT WESTERN
In: Kira Stapleton
Out: Tayla Lembo
ARARAT EAGLES
Eagles won't be submitting an A Grade team in 2019
CARAMUT
In: Kismit McCaroll
Out: Kristy Leighmann, Hannah Ronaldson
GLENTHOMPSON DUNKELD
Ins: Sue Balkin-Mitchell, Eve Duckmanton, Emma Somerville, Kellie Somerville, Nicky Lowe, Julie Templeton
Out: Reegan Morris, Rikki Oswald, Brit McMahon
HAWKESDALE MACARTHUR
Ins: Tara Buchanan, Kirsten Noonan, Kylie Habel, Tara Fry
TATYOON
Out: Jacqui McDougall, Zoe Astbury, Alex Antonio
WICKLIFFE-LAKE BOLAC
Ins: Kate Lawrence, Sophie Negre, Kate Millear, Louise Millear
Out: Tess Anderson, Kelsey Perry, Amanda Clark
WOORNDOO-MORTLAKE
In: Ash Spokes
Out: Jess Cameron, Chris Boyd
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