BY KIERAN ILES
EVEN for a coach and player who swapped leagues before returning years later at a different club, South Bendigo coach Lauren Bowles has never felt a greater sense of stepping into the unknown than she has heading into this Saturday's season opener against Broadford.
There will be plenty of eyes upon the Bloods, who have been handed the task of being the BFNL newcomer's first netball opponent, almost as many as there will be on Broadford.
It's fair to say details on the Kangaroos' playing ranks are scarce.
"It's the biggest unknown, what the depth of their senior squad is like," Bowles said.
"We know they won't have an A-reserve team, so does that mean their A-grade is really strong.
"We are going in pretty blind obviously against a new club to the league.
"I guess we just have to focus on our preparation and team."
The Bloods put the seal on a solid pre-season preparation with an impressive hit-out against Kyabram last Saturday, albeit with the Bombers having only three A-grade players on court.
Bowles said it was nevertheless a 'real confidence-boosting' performance, coming on top of their participation in a four-team round-robin tournament the week before involving rival BFNL clubs Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst.
"It was good to get those games under our belts as this year's team looks a bit different to last year's team," she said.
"It's going to take a little time to gel.
"But the girls really came out of the blocks against Kyabram with some really beautiful netball.
"It gave the girls some real confidence heading into the first few rounds."
Newcomers to the Bloods line-up this season include Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under midcourter Cayde Hayes and defender Stephanie Greene, who has returned to her home club after two seasons and a premiership with Kangaroo Flat.
Intended to be a key 2025 season signing, Karley Hynes is back on board after missing all of last season due to pregnancy, while stalwart defender Steph Goode will slot back into defence after missing all but a few games last year due to pregnancy.
Bowles is especially excited about her new-look goaling combination of league powerhouse Gabe Richards, free of Strikers commitments this year, and Hynes, with support from Izzy Coutts.
"We'll have Gabe for a whole season, which is exciting. She missed a month through travelling last year," she said.
"With Strikers commitments, players can miss training or have their loads managed, but there is none of that this year.
"It will be nice to have her fully available. She is quite the presence out on the court as a player.
"Her and Karley Hynes are absolute dynamite together in the circle.
"And Izzy Coutts, she was kind of that borderline A-grade/A-reserve player last year, but we've given her the nod and opportunity that she has earned.
"She was sinking them from everywhere (against Kyabram) and was really backing herself in."
Hynes, who will unfortunately be absent against Broadford, will also swing into defence at times, alongside Goode, Greene, Tegan Elliston and one of last year's big improvers Hayley Harrington.
Andrea Wilson, runner-up behind Richards in last year's best and fairest, Hayes and Strikers development player Kyla Byrne will handle the midcourt responsibilities.
Bowles hailed Hynes' versatility and elite sporting background as huge plusses for a team boasting a solid mix of youth and experience.
"There's not many teams who have a goaler that can also defend, but she is extremely athletic and committed," she said.
"She's had quite a successful sporting career with her volleyball and football and netball … super determined and really fit and strong.
"She is another good leader. We have a real mix of young ones in Cayde, Kyla, Izzy and Hayley Harrington and some real experience.
"It will take some time for us to gel and connect, but the foundations are certainly there.
"We took a massive step last year playing finals, and with a consistent team locked in, we hope to keep building."
A brilliant all-round season for the Bloods in 2025 saw four of its five teams reach finals with the exception of 17-and-under.
A-reserve went as far as the preliminary final, while A-grade, B-grade and B-reserve all made it through to the semis.
The Bloods will be one of seven teams fielding teams in the newly created 15-and-under competition.
