THERE'S plenty to get the head around in terms of new COVID-19 protocols, but rival coaches in last Saturday's South Bendigo-Golden Square 17-and-under practice match believe their players passed their first test with flying colours.
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The clash at Harry Trott Oval was the two teams' lone warm-up ahead of this Saturday's start of the revised BFNL 17-and-under netball season.
Nine clubs, with the exception of Gisborne, have committed to fielding a team in the competition, with teams scheduled to face each other just once before a finals series.
A draw is expected to be released today.
After months of uncertainty, but an unwavering commitment to their training, South Bendigo's Jannelle Hobbs, who shares the Bloods 17-and-under coaching with Liz Taylor, and Golden Square's Jody Richards were thrilled to see their players finally hit the court.
"It was the first time we have had to put all the COVID rules in full swing in match conditions, but everything went well," Hobbs said.
"Golden Square was fantastic in abiding by everything, so it went off really well.
"It was a good hit-out and a really close match. It's the only match the girls have had, so it will be very useful before the season starts.
"The girls are very excited and just happy to get out on court and have a run around.
"As long as they enjoy it, that's the main thing.
"Of course you want to do well, as they have been training hard for a long time, but just to see that enjoyment on the kids' faces, that's what it's all about.
"Everyone gets wrapped up in winning, but (COVID-19) has really hit home how much you love the game when you don't have it there."
Hobbs said the Bloods side for Saturday's season opener will comprise a mix of top-age and younger players.
"It was good to see them combining on Saturday and just good for their development," she said.
"A year out of junior netball is a big hole in their development, so it's going to be very important for the top age girls who will have to step up into seniors (next season).
"Missing a year would have made for an even bigger step up."
Everyone gets wrapped up in winning, but (COVID-19) has really hit home how much you love the game when you don't have it there.
- Jannelle Hobbs
Richards, who has moved into the 17-and-under role after coaching the Bulldogs' A-reserve side in 2019, said the match went smoothly, with her players 'well-versed' on the regulations governing the return to play.
"We went back to training as soon as we were allowed to, so the girls are by now familiar with the hand sanitising, recording their names and social distancing where applicable, obviously not when they are on court," she said.
"They have followed that all along, which has been pleasing."
After months of uncertainty, Richards said it was great just to see players out on the court and enjoying themselves, with the Bulldogs showing enough signs to suggest they will again be a formidable opponent during the shortened season.
"(The standard) was pretty good, we were without one of our girls, but some of our development players stepped up and had a good run," she said.
"A lot of my girls have played together over the last four or five years because the majority of them have come through our junior program.
"It's great they have that connection of knowing each other."
Read more: Dragons hoping to get back to action
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