When Dubbo Netball Association teams returned from last year's state championship the feeling was the performances were a solid starting point.
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A number of young players gained valuable representative experience and while there may have been no podium finishes there was hugely promising showings.
The under 17s and under 15s were both in action then, and will be again this weekend at a revamped Netball NSW State Senior Titles.
As well as the 15s and 17s, a Dubbo opens side will also compete.
The 17s and opens will contest division two, while the 15s will be in division three.
"The under 17s are coached by Linda McLeod and she's the Western Region Academy of Sport coach and is really well-credentialed," Dubbo Netball Association president Karen Weekes said.
"She's been working hard with that team and they're a well drilled squad that's looking forward to taking on the state titles."
There won't be any easing into things for the Dubbo 17s, with the first game on Saturday morning against City of Sydney.
The opens will meet Cessnock first up.
"They're coached by Sharon Edmunds and they've retained the nucleus of that team that finished 11th last season," Weekes said.
"They've had some great results coming in and they're really positive, too. They want to improve on last year."
Things haven't been as quite as smooth for the developing 15s side heading into its first appearance at the senior titles.
A number of injuries and unavailability has hampered the progress, with not just the players affected.
Weekes coaches that team and broke a finger recently and has spent plenty of time in Sydney as well.
"There's still been some good results and everyone is positive," Weekes said of her side.
"We're really looking forward to the challenge."
Taking on the best and also mixing with players and officials from all over the state is the beauty of the tournament and something which is memorable for everyone involved each and every year.
Teams from all corners of the state will converge on Campbelltown this weekend, with a huge amount happening on and off the court.
"It's great for everyone to experience the championships," Weekes said.
"About three-quarters of the state's districts take part and you get to see what it's like in all the divisions.
"It's the best of the best there."
Competition across all grades starts on Saturday morning and runs through to Monday afternoon.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
