Missing from last season’s grand final line-up this year will be star midcourter Gabby Kennedy, goal shooter Jess Holdstock and centre Gemma Scott.

Kennedy will miss the year travelling overseas, while Holdstock and Scott, who was sixth in last year’s league best and fairest count, are both pregnant..

That leaves just new coach and 2017 best and fairest Zoe Kennedy remaining in the attacking half from last season’s premiership line-up.

However, the Bulldogs have been one of the most active clubs on the recruiting front and will start the season with as many as 17 new players across all grades.

Those potentially in line for an A-grade berth include youngster Delainey Holmes, who has crossed from Cohuna Kangas, Milly Opt’Hoog (Tooleybuc-Manangatang), former Maldon mid-courter Bec McKnight and Danica McMahon, who has returned to the club after moving back to the Bendigo region from Darwin.

Kennedy, who was best on-court in last season’s 45-38 grand final win against Mitiamo, said the club’s primary objective this season would be to play finals.

“We’ll aim for finals and go from there – it’s a bit of new-look team, so we’ll take some time to gel,” she said.

“The players we’ve lost are girls we have had around the club on and off for a few years now and have played big roles over the last few years.

“They will be massive losses.”

Kennedy described newcomer Holmes, who is the younger sister of former Golden Square coach and BFNL inter-league representative Allira Holmes, as a smart netballer.

“She is only 18, but uses the ring really well,” she said.

“She’s already had two or three years in A-grade over at Cohuna and has been a good pick-up for us.

“Milly (Opt’Hoog) is another new player who has slotted into the club well. She’s a very versatile player, which is really handy to have.

“She can play anywhere on the court.”

McKnight, who is 22 but has more than five years of A-grade experience at Maldon, shapes as a possible midcourt replacement for Gabby Kennedy.

The Bulldogs have played one practice match, against Heathcote (March 17), and will play another tonight against North Bendigo.

Pyramid Hill opens its season on April 14 at Newbridge, before a round two clash at Mitchell Park against Bears Lagoon-Serpentine.

A grand final rematch against Mitiamo is scheduled for round four on May 5.

Kennedy has replaced Deb Forster as coach.

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.