Hoppers look to experienced core in bid to improve on memorable finals showing

Misti Gow, former Tatura playing coach and Rumbalara mentor, has stepped up from her C-grade coaching role at the Hoppers to take over from Sharne Milne.

With an extensive netball pedigree, Gow has attracted Merrigum young guns Nhykira Mansfield and Charlee Quinton-Thompson to the club, while Lexi Fallon comes over from Shepparton Swans.

“Our A-grade line-up this year will look a bit different,” Gow said.

“We’ve got a pretty young, developing team who I believe have all the qualities needed to develop into a really strong A-grade team.”

In more positive news for the Hoppers, last season’s best-and-fairest Emily Wood and former coach Milne will go around again.

“We’ll be a competitive side, we have quality defenders, midcourters and goalers, who I know will develop into the future.”