THE Red Cliffs A Grade netball team had a tough time of it last year.
The Tigers finished with a miserable 2-14 record and at the bottom of the standings.
That must have been enough to make star shooter Zara Copley wonder at times why she made the switch from regular contenders Mildura.
But the Mildura Golf Resort Netballer of the Week said she was in it for the long haul and the results are starting to be seen on the court this season.
Red Cliffs copped the mother of all hidings in their opening round encounter at powerhouse Wentworth before pulling off a draw at Mildura.
Last week they popped an early cherry on the cake with their first A Grade victory over reigning premiers Ouyen United.
“Last year was my first at the club and it was obviously a development year for the team,” Copley, who finished the history-making game with 40 goals, said.
“So, that was a very exciting weekend, being able to beat the premiers.
“Our first game this season wasn’t the best and we were a bit down because we had been working hard.
“Then, drawing with Mildura showed us where we were at and that we did have it in us this year and beating Ouyen just kind of topped it off … such a great feeling.”
Tigers coach Romany Bowen, no great fan of losing, pushed the team in the off-season and that’s paying early dividends.
“We have been working towards getting fitter,” Copley said.
“We have a completely different group as well with only a few of us left from last year’s team.
“But we’ve also got quite a few new recruits who have contributed to our improvement.”
As for the Tigers’ target in 2025, Copley remains in neutral gear.
“Every team strives for the top, but we don’t really have a set goal … it’s just to play our best.”
Copley is the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for round three. She receives a $150 voucher for the Mildura Golf Resort.
