Victorian Netball League: injury-ravaged Southern Saints try to stay positive after slipping to 0-4

An injury-ravaged Southern Saints slipped to their fourth loss in four starts after defeat at the hands of the rebranded Hawks Netball.

Jade Heinrich is trying to keep her side positive in the wake of an injury-cruelled start to the season. Picture: David Crosling

An injury-ravaged Southern Saints slipped to their fourth loss in four starts this Victorian Netball League championship division season after defeat at the hands of the rebranded Hawks Netball at the State Netball Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.

The Saints, already dealt a pretty tough hand with fixturing that has pitted them against four sides that are likely to press for finals action this year, have suffered a shattering string of injuries to first choice players.

Hawks, formerly Monash University Storm until a recent partnership with AFL’s Hawthorn, are among those expected to be front and centre at the business end of the season and, on Wednesday night, took full advantage of their edge in strength and experience to win 69-43.

Saints coach Jade Heinrich could be forgiven for thinking she’s severely offended a black cat sometime over the past month.

“At one stage on Wednesday night I think we had one championship (division) player out there,” she said. “We had seven championship players unavailable and five of those are serious injuries. There’s nothing you can do about it.

“(It’s frustrating because) the group was coming together so well and then it’s been one thing after another.”

Emily Wilson scored nine-from-16 this week. Picture: David Crosling

With the Saints’ hospital ward stretching at the seams, Heinrich said the club had tried to remain positive and look to the blooding of players from its Division 1 and 19&under sides.

“We’ve got to stay positive, but some of the girls are still 12 months to two years away,” she said.

Goalshooter Ella Quinlan, just 17 years old and in only her second game of championship division netball, bankrolled the Saints’ total, netting 34 of her 36 attempts (95 per cent).

“She’s definitely a star of the future,” Heinrich said. “I still think she needs some time, but it’s been great to give her some opportunity.”

After games against finals candidates, Saints face a winnable contest this week when they take on Peninsula Waves at state headquarters on Wednesday night.

The Waves, 1-3, are coming off a hefty 62-35 defeat at the hands of the Geelong Cougars.