BFNL senior netball coach Tamara Gilchrist believes the challenge of playing against unfamiliar rivals will bring out the best in her players on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo league meets Ballarat in what promises to be a finals-calibre contest at the QEO.
Selectors have opted for a squad with a classic blend of youth and experience, including three players from the BFNL team which finished runner-up to Geelong at last year's association championships.
Gilchrist, who is in her first season in the BFNL as co-coach of Sandhurst, said she was thrilled with the composition of her side and the players' dedication to representing their league.
"We are really lucky with the girls who have made themselves available, there is so much talent in the Bendigo league," she said.
"I'm very happy with their commitment."
Like most inter-league clashes, Gilchrist said there was plenty of unknowns surrounding the opposition, other than the Ballarat squad likely including a sprinkling of VNL players.
"In saying that we have a couple in our side as well, but I'll be pretty keen to see what they come with," she said.
"I've already had a bit to do with our girls, the Ryan sisters (Abbey and Ashley) I coached in a regional team, and Allira Holmes, so that's made it a little easier for me.
"The girls are absolutely keen to get a win on the board and are very excited."
The eight-player squad comprises representatives from four BFNL clubs.
Golden Square's Gabe Richards will renew her 2015 premiership partnership in the goal circle with Abbey Ryan, who along with sister and wing attack Ashley, have crossed to Eaglehawk this season.
Sandhurst's Brooke Bolton will start at centre, while defensive options for Gilchrist include class Dragons goal keeper Carly Van den Heuvel, Bulldogs coach Allira Holmes, and Kangaroo Flat young guns Milly Wicks and Danielle Markwell.
The bench will be bolstered by one player from the 17-and-under team being coached by Golden Square's Melinda Keighran, which plays at 12.30pm.
Holmes and the Ryan sisters are the three members of the team currently playing VNL, with the trio involved at the Ballarat Sovereigns.
A strong supporter of representative netball and a former Heathcote District league and North Central region coach, Gilchrist said inter-league also presented her with a strong personal challenge.
"We haven't had a whole lot of time together, this time was put together pretty quickly, she said.
"But I love the challenge and really look forward to these sorts of games."
The senior game is at 3.10pm.
