Sunshine Coast Lightning are primed for the start of Super Netball

New captain Karla Pretorius says the Lightning are hungry to “go all the way” on court this year and is keen to see what some fresh faces can add to the mix.

SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Karla Pretorius of the Lightning and Caitlin Thwaites of the Vixens compete for the ball during the round three Super Netball match between the Melbourne Vixens and the Sunshine Coast Lightning at University of Sunshine Coast Stadium on August 12, 2020 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

New captain Karla Pretorius says the Lightning are hungry to "go all the way" on court this year and is keen to see what some fresh faces can add to the mix.

Super Netball officially launched the 2021 season virtually on Wednesday, with captains from each of the eight teams sharing their excitement for the year ahead.

Lightning will travel to Melbourne for their first game against Collingwood Magpies this Saturday (7pm).

During the virtual launch Pretorius said she was excited to get the season underway and, while they'd lost Laura Langman to retirement, believed the club's new recruits would add plenty to the Lightning dynamic

The Sippy Downs-based club has added Mahalia Cassidy, Kate Shimmin and Maddie Hinchliffe to their roster.

Hinchcliffe was elevated from training partner to the main squad after Ashlee Unie suffered an ACL injury.

"I think it's (new additions) created a bit more depth, especially in our defence end, but even between wing defence, centre and wing attack they bring something new for us in just their style of play," she said.

 

Pretorius stressed consistency and a need to build week-in and week-out as major focuses for the season during the launch.

The three-time Lightning player of the year was announced as the side's new captain last week, with Steph Wood filling the vice-captaincy role.

Speaking during the captaincy announcement, Pretorius had high hopes for the year ahead.

"Going into the season you want to win and that's our aim this year," she said.

"But, knowing that, focusing on the processes and the steps to get there (are important).

"So, not looking too far ahead and making sure we continue to be better on court and build as the season goes.

" … But we definitely want to go all the way."

The Lightning have never finished lower than third in all four of their seasons.

They made the grand final in the first three years, winning two titles.

However, last year they were knocked out in the preliminary finals.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Lightning are primed for the start of Super Netball