Netball
2 April, 2026
Ararat, Stawell raring to go in Good Friday clash
Ararat will make the trip to Stawell on Good Friday to contest game one of the opening round in Wimmera Football Netball League A grade netball.
Ararat were the better-performing side of the two last season, making finals, although they didn't progress past the first week, while Stawell finished eighth on the ladder.
Ararat coach Faith Biddle has declared she is looking to build on their success from last season, and new players to the side Bridie Price, Julia Harricks and Kiarna Taylor are expected to assist with that.
New coaches of Stawell, Courtney McIIvride and Jemma Clarkson, are looking for more consistent performances from their side this year.
Stawell will be buoyed by a number of players returning from previous years.
Biddle said her Ararat lineup was feeling great ahead of the clash with the Warriors.
"We’ve had a great preseason and we’re looking forward to a good contest against Stawell this week," she said.
"Our biggest focus for the game for us is having a solid start and trying not to let the excitement of round one and the Good Friday match change how we play.
"We’ve had a lot of discussion about ensuring we remain calm from the first whistle and settle into the game at our own pace."
Biddle said for them, the game would be lost or won in being able to execute their game plan.
"(Also), the basics when we’re fatigued and in high-pressure moments," she said.
"Making sure we’re staying composed and keeping control of how we want to play."
Courtney McIIvride, co-coach of the A grade Stawell team, said her players were also excited about the clash to open the league's season.
"We have a team full of women who appreciate being able to play the game they love and they are just keen to get on the court," McIIvride said.
McIIvride will be looking for a full 60-minute effort from her side.
As Ararat look to have a solid start, the co-coach of the Warriors said the game could be lost or won depending on how quickly each team settled.
"Teams are always starting the season with different lineups and whoever adapts to those changes first will win," McIIvride said.
The first centre pass in the clash between Ararat and Stawell will be at 12.15pm on Good Friday.