Season Preview – Berwick Netball

The new-look ‘Wicker Chicks’ are ready for a big 2021.

And new playing coach Chloe Phillips, an ex Narre Warren star shooter who came on board with Berwick ahead of the 2020 season, is impressed by what she’s seen this pre-season.

With her long-awaited debut with Berwick now approaching, Phillips can’t wait to take to the court with her new club.

“We’ve had the longest pre-season on the planet!” Phillips said.

“The covid year off has made everyone miss local sport so much so we’re just so excited to be out there every week.”

The ‘Wicker Chicks’ will field a mix of fresh and familiar faces this season.

They’ll welcome midcourters Hayley Stewart and Amy Bidwell, defender Melissa Webster and goaler Emily Pupuke into the fold, while retaining a number of club stalwarts including Captain Olivia Macente and Vice Captain Emily La Roch.

It’s been a rebuild for Berwick following 2019, with new players, a new coach, and a new game plan. And Phillips is confident this will see the club post more wins on the board in 2021 as they work their way up the ladder.

“The biggest thing for us is that everyone has been putting in lots of work at training, the culture is positive and we’re ready for a really competitive year,” Phillips said.

“We’re also super lucky to have Leesa Gallard on board with our U17s team and a our coaching mentor working with A Grade this year,”

“She has a wealth of experience, heading up state teams, ANL teams and VNL teams.”

Berwick will face off against old rival Pakenham in Round 1, the two clubs having previously played each other in the South East league.

“This will be the first time we’ve played them in a while and we’re excited to open the season at home,” Phillips said.

“The energy will be really high.”