The team that will do us proud! The 2019 MPNFL Netball Interleague team, from left to right; Louise Manders (Assistant-Coach), Sara Tanner (Somerville), Eliza McGuigan (Edi-Asp), Bethany Leach (Rosebud), Emily Wilson (Dromana), Millie McDermott (Rosebud), Emma White (Rosebud), Theresa Blaauw (Bonbeach), Jayde Aron (Langwarrin) and Keira Wills (Coach). Absent; Caitlin Watson (Tyabb), Brianna O’Hehir (Sorrento).

 

By David Nagel

The Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL) will be represented by a powerful and talented netball team when the Sharks host Ovens and Murray at Rosebud on Saturday May 18.

Coach Keira Wills and her assistant Louise Manders had the unenviable task of trimming an initial 18-strong squad into a final 10 over four training sessions.

And Rosebud’s home court could hold a distinct advantage for the Sharks, with the Buds leading the way with three representatives – Bethany Leach, Millie McDermott and Emma White.

The MPNFL returns to interleague A Grade competition after a two-year hiatus with Wills and Manders building strong combinations and an enjoyable team atmosphere.

“Through circumstances, we haven’t had interleague netball for two years now so it’s going to be really good to go out and showcase our league again,” Wills said when the squad was first announced.

“It’s nice to have that recognition again and I’m sure the girls will respect the privilege of playing for the MPNFL.”

Wills said the experience should be enjoyable but she definitely had her eye on victory.

“The number-one reason I’m doing this is for enjoyment, but we obviously want to win against a strong country competition that’s going to be pretty tough to beat,” she said.

“To be honest we’ve got no idea how we’ll match up, it’s impossible to predict, but I’m sure we will give a very good account of ourselves and play some very positive netball.”

A dress presentation will take place at Frankston Park on Wednesday, May 15.

 

2019 MPNFL A GRADE INTERLEAGUE SQUAD

Coach

Keira Wills (Tyabb)

Assistant-Coach

Louise Manders (Bonbeach)

 

Bethany Leach                  Rosebud

Bree O’Hehir                     Sorrento

Caitie Watson                   Tyabb

Eliza McGuigan                 Edithvale-Aspendale

Emily Wilson                     Dromana

Emma White                     Rosebud

Jayde Aron                         Langwarrin

Millie McDermott             Rosebud

Sara Tanner                       Somerville

Theresa Blaauw                Bonbeach