An open side was meant to join the team at the championships, but had to pull out after four players withdrew from the side because of personal commitments.

The side has been training hard for the past three weeks and comes into the championships with a focus on different combination movements around the court. 

Wimmera Netball Association representative coach Gayle Leith said the championships would present a stern test. 

“It will be a very intense weekend for the girls and they will need to be 100 per cent fit,” she said. 

“The girls will need to switch on right from the get-go.” 

The side will play six games against the best netball associations in the state. Each game has two eight-minute halves, with the first match scheduled to start at 9am.  

Leith said she was confident the side had prepared well. 

“They are all great together and have played for a long time as a team,” she said. 

“It is good, because they a a versatile group of girls that can play in more than one position.” 

Leith said that had helped coach Donna McKenzie. 

“It is a hell of a lot easier, because if one girl isn’t playing well in a position, she can be moved and could excel in that other position,” she said. 

“This competition will get the best out of the girls. When you come up against strong opposition you tend to play your best netball.” 

The side will play all its games within a four-hour period. Finals and presentations start at 1.30pm. 

Leith said the players would enjoy the high standard of netball. 

“It’s lucky because we have a good group with us. It is just a bit disappointing that some of the girls will miss the Sunday game for their clubs,” she said. 

“The girls love representing the association and they will give 100 per cent in every game they are in.” 

Leith said she expected the side to push hard for a finals berth. 

“It’s always nice to come away with a win in the first game. It puts a positive mindset and gives you confidence heading into the second,” she said. 

“It is hard to predict what will happen. We just hope to play some good teams and show how well we can play against good opposition.”

Leith said in the past, the Wimmera Netball Association had played well at the championships and never been disgraced. 

She said the young team would face some strong opposition. 

“They are great ambassadors for the league and the Wimmera region,” she said. 

“I wish them all the best and look forward to watching them.” 

The side will include three Horsham Demons in Georgia Hiscock, Ally Hiscock and Emma Buwalda; Maddison Morgan and Tarni Orr from Stawell Warriors; Dimboola Roos duo Olivia Jorgenson and Rhianna Kuhne; Nhill Tiger Tess McQueen; Horsham Saints player Stephanie McDonald; and Ararat Rats’ Monique Scott.