This sums up South Bendigo's journey to its first A-grade game of the 2021 season.

With Castlemaine again not fielding an A-grade team this year, the Bloods were forced to wait a week longer than all other eight teams before getting the chance to take the court.

But rather than a frustration, South Bendigo coach Jannelle Hobbs said the extra week's wait - on top of a season lost to netball in 2020 - has only served to make her players that little bit more motivated and hungry to get things going against Eaglehawk on Saturday.

"It wasn't ideal, but I know we will definitely be ready to go," she said.

"We are really looking forward to it; we have a full squad to pick from and they're all fit and healthy.

"We did get a bit of a look at Eaglehawk in a practice match, it should be an interesting game. I know they have a few young players in, but I think their goaling end will be their strong points with the Gilmores (Ash and Abby).

"I'm confident our defenders can match up well there. Obviously, our goaling end is strong and our midcourt is too.

"I'm hoping we can get a good win on the board to kick things off.

"It's been nearly two years since we've played, so bring it on."

After consecutive off-seasons with a heavy emphasis on recruiting, the Bloods will take to the court with plenty of new faces in their 10-player squad.

They include classy midcourter Keiarah Brooks tall goaler Abbey Grindal, young defender Hayley Harrington and former captain Sarah Nash, who has returned to South after a premiership-winning stint with White Hills, while Julia Twigg has won promotion from A-reserve.

They will be joined by star young goal shooter Chloe Langley, Emily Cossar, Danielle O'Toole and Steph Goode.

Defender Chloe Adams is the lone omission.

Hobbs insists the Bloods will have significantly more depth to the squad which finished fifth in 2019.

Set for a big season is Langley, who spent last weekend at the state under-19 trials, and has been named captain of her Victorian Netball League (VNL) under-19 team City West Falcons.

"That's a huge honour for her, she's been in really good form," Hobbs said.

Langley will be joined in the goal circle by former Golden Square junior Grindal, giving the Bloods one of the tallest and definitely youngest shooting combinations in the competition.

In other games this weekend. Kangaroo Flat will look to back up its impressive start to the season against Kyneton.

The Roos unveiled several big name recruits in a powerful 68-27 win over Eaglehawk last week, while the Tigers opened the season with a hard-fought win over Golden Square.

Gisborne will attempt to move to 2-0 when it travels to Golden Square, after accounting for Strathfieldsaye 55-35 last week.

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