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BENDIGO Football Netball League's open netball team will start its association championships campaign against the Alberton FNL.
The team, coached by Carol Cathcart and Mali Roberts and captained by Kangaroo Flat star Karly Elvey, will this Sunday face six rivals in pool A ahead of a potential semi-final berth.
They are Alberton, reigning champions Geelong, Hampden, Ovens and Murray, Victoria University and Waverly City.
Pool B comprises Bellarine, DC Force, Goulburn Valley, Kingston and Districts, Murray, Riddell District and Wendouree.
The winner of pool A will meet the runner-up of pool B in the semi-finals and vice-versa.
Bendigo's squad comprises a good blend of youth and experience and includes reigning Betty Thompson medallist Heather Oliver, her Sandhurst teammates Brooke Bolton and Carly Van Den Heuvel, Kangaroo Flat's Elvey, Zoe Davies, Chelsea Sartori and Ruby Barkmeyer, Golden Square goal shooter Gabe Richards, Kyneton's Michelle Fletcher and Strathfieldsaye midcourt ace Brianna Dalrfymple-Monro.
The BFNL made it through to the semi-finals of last year's championships, bowing out to eventual premiers Geelong.
The two teams are drawn to meet in the sixth round of the round robin series at 12.58pm.
Cathcart was hopeful of improving on last year's semi-final finish.
"I am delighted with the team we have been able to assemble for the championships," she said.
"We have a good mix of youth, experience, size, speed and athleticism.”
The championships will be contested at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.
BFNL draw: v Alberton (9am, court 3); v Waverley City (9.51am, court 4); v Ovens and Murray (10.42am, court 2); round 4 bye (10.42am); v Victoria University (12.24pm, court 1); v Geelong (12.58pm, court 4); v Hampden (1.32pm, court 1); semi-finals (2.10pm, courts 1 and 2); final (2.46pm, court 2).