Matrics still running hot from unbeaten streak ahead of Netball Premier League season opener

MATRICS premiership captain Sheree Wingard says her side is not feeling the pressure of being hunted by its Premier League rivals ahead of tonight’s season opener.

Premier League netball season preview

MATRICS premiership captain Sheree Wingard says her side is not feeling the pressure of being hunted by its Premier League rivals ahead of tonight’s season opener.

The club did not lose a game last year and defeated Garville 54-44 in the grand final in August.

Eight months on, Matrics will enter round one with a near identical squad and the title favourite tag.

“I’ve never won back-to-back premierships and, as captain, I’m going to drive the girls to do that,” Wingard said.

At Garville, the grand final loss — in the club’s first premiership decider since 1996 — is being viewed as a learning curve.

“It’s only made us stronger and want it more this coming season,” captain Chloe Droge­muller said.

Perennial contender Contax is being motivated by last season’s shock straight-sets finals exit.

The club has added goaler Danni Pickett (Tasmania) and goal keeper Amehlia Schmidt (Woods Panthers) but lost Casey Gregory (Newton Jaguars).

Phoenix has brought in Lyndall Crichton (returning from WA) since finishing fourth last season, but veteran goal shooter Kylie Jarrett has succumbed to a calf injury.

Newton Jaguars, fifth last year, have signed Jordan Vivian (Matrics) but will be without Nicole Bruce-Gordon and recruit Beth Shimmin (both to knee injuries).

The biggest change in the off-season was the promotion of Western Jets at Cougars’ expense.

Jets captain Louise Broadbridge said her side, which won a reserves minor premiership last season, welcomed the challenge.

“It’s certainly going to be a big step up from last year but we’ve got quality that we’ve brought in from other clubs, mixed with the girls that we’ve got,” Broadbridge said.

Sammy Allen (Cougars), Karla Zanardo and Gemma Seal (both Woods Panthers) headline the off-season signings.

Wynn Vale-based Tango finished sixth last year but was ahead at some stage in every game.

Former Matrics and Cougars mentor Scott Waddington has taken over as coach, while Nicola Gray (Queensland Firebirds), Leigh Waddington (Matrics), Sarah Carver (Cougars) and Jess Roberts (Woods Panthers) headline an impressive list of recruits.

Woods Panthers will look to youth to improve on last season’s seventh-place finish.

“It’s a really positive chance for some other girls in the club to step up,” captain Megan Vine said.