After a series of challenges in previous years, Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club appears set for a change in fortunes ahead of the 2021 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In 2019 the Ararat Eagles were granted an exemption by the Mininera and District Netball Association to not enter an A Grade team.
The club had won the B Grade premiership the previous year, but after losing several players, it felt playing in the competition's top tier would not be beneficial to those who had remained at the club.
The B-Grade team would finish sixth out of 12 teams.
READ MORE:
Club secretary Lisa Haddow said before the pandemic, 2020 has seemed a much more promising year for the club.
"We had a very big recruitment process last year, so it was a shame when everything was cancelled."
Netball director Aimee Harrison said she was nonetheless eager for the club to show signs of progress in 2021
"We're hoping that we can retain some of those numbers that we got last year," she said.
"We certainly are eager to have an A grade side this year. Hopefully, we will field all three senior sides."
The club held its first training session of the season on Wednesday, January 27, receiving a strong turnout of players.
READ MORE:
The club will also have the benefit of being able to utilise the new courts at Alexandra Oval throughout the season.
Ms Haddow said the new facilities help foster a good atmosphere at the club.
"We're excited about getting on the new netball courts," she said.
"It will bring our netball into the hub of everything that goes on during game day.
"We've always felt kind of off to the side, so it will be nice being in the thick of it and having the new facilities."
Ms Haddow said there are also a couple of opportunities for people to get involved in the club in non-playing capacities.
"We've been able to retain most of our coaches that signed on for last year but we're still looking to fill a C Grade and an Under 13 position."
People interested in coaching can email ararateaglesfnc@hotmail.com
Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club will also hold its Annual General meeting on Sunday, February 14, at Alexandra Oval Social Room. The positions of president, vice president, and treasurer are all presently vacant.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.
