EXCITEMENT is building at Inglewood as the Blues prepare for their first A-grade netball match in more than 18 months.
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The Blues' clash at Inglewood against Loddon Valley rival Marong this Saturday will be their first in the top grade since their round 17 loss to Mitiamo on July 29, 2017.
As her players get set to face the Panthers, new coach Mandy Burrill-Grinton has described the atmosphere at Inglewood Recreation Reserve as a mix of emotion and anticipation.
After an enthusiastic pre-season, the new coach said the Blues were 'ready to hit the court running'.
"I just can't wait to bring it on .... Saturday will be a good test of just where we are at," Burrill-Grinton said.
"There's a really good feel at the club, everyone is pumped, the footballers as well.
"It's been a pretty clean start this season, a whole new committee and everything.
"Just getting the culture right has been amazing. We have had a few get togethers - team-bonding, culture days - and it's a really good vibe."
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The road back to A-grade has not been without its hitches, with the Blues losing of pair of players - one a goal shooter and the other a key defender - in their opening practice match.
Reinforcements have arrived, with Burrill-Grinton full of praise for her playing squad's resilience and mindset in battening down the hatches when they could easily have dropped their heads.
"We have viewed it as an opportunity for the girls, who wanted to develop and step up, and they did and have just been incredible," she said.
"The talent we have been able to bring out in some of these girls is amazing.
"I always knew they had it in them, you could tell by their fine skills, but we needed to take that to another level and we have achieved that.
"The young ones are probably going to need another 12 months, but I am very proud of where we are at and what we are going to bring."
The Blues will be captained by Lauren Lloyd, who brings plenty of experience to a young and eager squad.
Their preparation has included a pair of practice matches against HDFNL club Heathcote and Golden Rivers league team Murrabit.
An already emotional day will be even more moving for Inglewood, with the club paying tribute to Kaye Cohalan, the wife of new president Chris Cohalan, who lost her battle to cancer last year.
All funds raised through raffles and other activities on 'Kaye's Day' will be donated to the Cancer Council.
"If we could get a win on the board for the president it would be even more awesome," Burrill-Grinton said.
The former dual Heathcote District league premiership coach conceded Marong would have also have plenty of added motivation as the Panthers looked to climb their way up the ladder after a seventh place finish in 2018 and eighth the year before.
"The word around the traps is everyone has recruited well, so it's an exciting time for the league," she said.
"We're just excited to get out there .... I am starting to feel a bit nervous."
In other round one matches, Calivil United hosts Newbridge, with both sides entering the season with new coaches (Christie Rogers and Jane Reid), Pyramid Hill clashes with reigning premiers Bridgewater at Mitchell Park, and Maiden Gully YCW and Mitiamo meet at Marist College.
Bears Lagoon-Serpentine has the bye and will start its season in round two against Inglewood on April 13.
INGLEWOOD'S FIRST FIVE GAMES
April 6: v Marong at Inglewood Recreation Reserve
April 13: v Bears Lagoon-Serpentine at Janiember Park
April 20: v Bridgewater at Inglewood Recreation Reserve
April 27: v Newbridge at Riverside Park
May 4: v Pyramid Hill at Mitchell Park
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