The Bulldogs, who finished third last season behind premiers Sandhurst and Golden Square, have a new coach at the helm in former Sunbury Lions premiership coach Kim Bailey and unlike most clubs has been spared major losses in playing personnel.

Gisborne will take to the court with a team similar to that which occupied a top-two spot on the ladder for most of 2017, boosted by the inclusion of the returning Simone Trevillian.

The Bulldogs only loss is that of the injured Holly Burnip.

Bailey, who is also the division one head coach of VNL club ACU Sovereigns and until recently was the  AFL Goldfields netball manager, said she was excited to be leading such a talented group of netballers.

“There are a lot of talented girls in there like Maddy Stewart and Ella Bertachinni, but also some young girls like Melinda Luke, who have a lot of potential,” she said.

“What Gisborne has is a really good base to establish a team for long-term success if we can keep that group together.

“From what I hear there’s a fair bit of change in and out of other teams, but Gisborne is a club that likes to use its local kids, which is great for the community.

“I think the talent is there without having to look to far outside to find it.”

The Bulldogs had their first practice match on Saturday at Gardiner Reserve against Sunbury Lions and will have one more against Wimmera league club Minyip-Murtoa.

Bailey said the Bulldogs were determined to build on last year’s third placing.

“I think if any team says it’s not looking to win a grand final is kidding itself, that’s what we are there for, to try and get our team into a grand final and win it,” she said.

“Going one or two spots better than last year is definitely the aim.

“They had a great coach in Guy Keane last year and he has left a great legacy. I just need to continue that on.

“Our girls have a great work ethic at training, the skills are there, now all they need to do is the work.

“I’m a really defensive-minded coach, so I’m looking forward to see what intensity these girls work at.”

Bailey led Sunbury to consecutive grand finals in 2013 and 14.

TO find out the player movements from all Bendigo, Heathcote and Loddon Valley clubs, look for the Bendigo Advertiser’s football and netball liftout inside the Thursday, March 29 edition.