WHITE Hills premiership coach Lauren Bowles says her side is feeling no pressure ahead of its title defence.
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The Demons open their season a week earlier than most of their rivals with a standalone game against Lockington-Bamawm United under lights at White Hills on Saturday.
The reigning premiers will enter the clash with nearly a full contingent of its 2018 premiership stars, with the exception of midcourter Sarah Fern, who has been sidelined since injuring her knee in a practice match against Kangaroo Flat.
Her absence has paved the way for Yasmin Colley to step into the A-grade line-up after a best on court performance in last season's A-reserve grand final win.
Bowles said it was a disappointing blow for Fern, who will miss four to six weeks.
"It was a bit of a shock to the club and Sarah, but thankfully she has been to the physio and been cleared of any serious damage," she said.
"Yasmin Colley has been given the call-up and really deserves that position in A-grade, she has worked really hard in the pre-season.
"We are excited to have her in the team."
The season-opener marks an exciting time for White Hills with the unveiling of its new lights at Scott Street.
Bowles said there was a definite buzz throughout the entire club.
"It's very exciting, I think they are hoping to get a fair crowd there," she said.
"This year there has been a lot of hype around the football side of things obviously with the new coach Sam Kerridge and Jed Lamb and the other recruits.
"We had a fantastic night together last night (Thursday) - there was a great atmosphere, and not just for Saturday, but the season ahead."
Lockington Bamawm United will enter the season buoyed by the signing of new coach Kerrie Taylor and the return of several former A-grade players.
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Bowles was expecting a tough encounter after the Cats showed plenty of fight in their two contests last year.
"Locky last year were quite a young side and what I liked about them was they were super determined and quite a quality side. Hopefully they have done plenty of work in the off-season," she said.
"Obviously our girls aware that once you win a premiership you become the hunted team and that only makes us train harder as a team.
"That success was amazing and the girls are all keen to get that feeling back again, but we love that healthy competiton and hopefully we can thrive on it.
The A-grade clash starts at 5.45pm.
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White Hills v Lockington Bamawm United netball schedule
A-grade: 5.45pm
A-reserve: 4.30pm
B-grade: 3.15pm
B-reserve and 17-and-under: 2pm (two courts utilised)
15-and-under: 12.50pm
Primary: Noon
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