The Blues staged a remarkable run to the title last year, ending the 39-game unbeaten run of Deniliquin Rams in the semi-final, before defeating Mulwala by seven goals in the grand final.
Tonny handled Nathalia well in their two meetings last year, but premiership-winning coach Grace Hammond isn’t underestimating the Purples as she kicks off her second year at the helm.
“Last year we did beat them comfortably in the end, but it wasn’t an easy win either,” she said.
“They’ve always been competitive, and it’s never an easy game against those guys.
“We’ve got a good rivalry, but it’s a friendly rivalry.”
Jazmin Clark is the new addition to the squad this year, replacing Alicia White, who has retired into the assistant coach position.
“She’s really starting to build some connections within the team and within the ring with Milly Brock,” Hammond said of Clark.
“Those two should combine well, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what those two can produce in the goal ring this year.”
Hammond says her Tongala squad is excited for the season and ready to try and defend their premiership.
“I was really impressed with our practice matches, particularly our last one against Lockington,” she said.
“The girls really started implementing those finer things that we’d worked on over pre-season, and it was nice to be able to see them out on court before we actually get stuck into the season.
“Hopefully, we can defend our premiership, but everyone’s playing for a premiership, so we know it’s not going to be easy to get there again, but that’s why we all play netball, and we’re all really excited.”
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