COLBINABBIN coach Liz Cobbledick believes her side faces no added pressure going into the new Heathcote District league netball season as reigning premiers.
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The Grasshoppers have drawn a tough start to their premiership defence against Leitchville-Gunbower at Leitchville on Saturday.
They will go into the game without three of their premiership line-up, with Bridie Lawford, Gabby Barlow and grand final star Louise Dupuy all sidelined with injury.
Their absence has paved the way for youngster Jamison Lowe to make her A-grade debut, while Kristen Moroney will see increased court-time after making a handful of appearances previously.
The Grasshoppers welcome back goal keeper Kate Chirnside, from an achilles injury, and Holly Guerra (back from Golden Square).
While the reigning premiers often started the season with a target on their backs, Cobbledick said the slate from last season's flag win had largely been wiped clean.
"We certainly haven't forgotten about last year, but we go into the season wanting to continue the strength we finished last season on," she said.
"But all that aside, it's a completely new season and we're going to have a pretty different line-up out there.
"We'll be ready for a completely different ball game, we won't feel any pressure from last year's premiership."
Leitchville-Gunbower will have two debutantes of its own, with Courtney West and Tahli Brereton to play their first games.
While a first-up clash against the reigning premiers would be considered daunting by some, Bomber coach Jodie Lake viewed it as a perfect early opportunity to gauge her side's progress.
"It's always hard coming up against Colbo, no matter what, but round one you are both at the same stage. No one' going to be playing their best netball in round one," she said.
"They'll be tough regardless, even with a few injuries.
"I wouldn't expect any less than the best from them. They are always that 'gelled' sort of team, no matter what combinations they throw at you."
Comforting for Lake was the Bombers' status as one of only two teams to defeat the Grasshoppers last season.
New recruit Victoria Weaving, formerly from the Ballarat league, will also make her debut for the Bombers.
NEW COACHES APLENTY
Six coaches will make their HDFNL debut in Saturday's season opening round.
At Mount Pleasant, Belinda Pinner takes charge of the Blues for the first time since crossing from Golden Square.
Pinner will go head-to-head with another new coach in Kristy Roulston, who has taken over the reins at Lockington-Bamawm United.
The former Golden Square stalwart has brought a few former teammates with her, including Clare Hope and Chantal O'Brien.
North Bendigo has new coaches in Brigette McDougall and Jac Button, who have taken over from 2014 premiership coach Tamara Gilchrist, who has crossed to BFNL club Sandhurst.
The Bulldogs pair come up against another debutante in Mitch Grey, who has been given the task of lifting Heathcote up the league ladder.
At Elmore, Kristine Rosaia takes charge of a new look and largely young Bloods team, which faces a tough first-up clash against last season's runners-up White Hills.
A seventh new coach – Huntly’s Emily Eliades – will make her debut next week, after the Hawks drew the bye in round one.
