Strathfieldsaye gathering momentum in BFNL A-grade netball

The Storm play each of the league's current top four teams over a five-week stretch, scattered by a bye weekend for all clubs on July 7.

For a part new-look and developing side, Strathfieldsaye was handed arguably the toughest draw to start the season, with game against three of last season's finalists and a much improved Eaglehawk.

But with wins in four of their past five matches, the Storm have worked their way back into finals contention, to trail fifth-placed Kangaroo Flat by one win at the halfway point of the season.

Storm coach Aleisha Langdon was expecting a tough second half of the season, but was hopeful finals were a possibility.

"Our team is starting to play really well as a team now," she said.

"But the test will come in the next few rounds against Sandhurst, Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Gisborne.

"It's a tough draw, but the girls are going really well at the moment."

The Storm impressed in a 46-40 win over Kyneton last Saturday.

It followed a crucial one goal victory the week before against another team eyeing finals in South Bendigo.

The win over the Tigers, who were boosted by the inclusion of star goal shooter Michelle Fletcher and former coach Karlie Plowman, rated as one of their best this season.

"For the girls to be able to play the full four quarters was really good to see, their positive talk out there was great," Langdon said.

"And to keep working on the things we talk about training was also pleasing."

The Storm were without Annie Spehr, who is battling glandular fever and remains a week-to-week proposition for now.

"It's been a bit unsettling, but we have had Ash Barbetti step up from A-reserve and she is settling in well," Langdon said.

"Her and Claire (Gibbs) are working real well in goals.

"Ash is a short goaler, but she can really zip around in that rings and holds herself really well."

Langdon, who is in her first season as a non-playing coach, was keen to acknowledge the efforts of some key personnel in getting the Storm's season back on track after their 0-4 start.

"A standout has been our defence end, which is working really well," she said.

"Elyse Morgan and Claudia Powell have played together the last few seasons and have really gelled well.

"We also have a really strong midcourt with Brianna Dalrymple-Monro and Amy Davies, which is working well.

"Brianna as we know is a fantastic player, she helps to link the whole court from defence to attack."

If the Storm are to play finals, Langdon conceded they would need to upset at least a couple of the current top five headed by Golden Square, Sandhurst and Gisborne, with Eaglehawk in fourth place and Kangaroo Flat in fifth.

COMING FRIDAY: We take a look back at all 10 BFNL club’s first half of the season ion our mid-year review.