The Dubbo Rhinos Rebels' debut in the Rawson Homes Premiership A Grade competition didn't exactly go to plan.
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After stepping up to the premier competition last year the Rhinos Rebels finished with the wooden spoon and didn't have a win to their name.
The new campaign starts at the Nita McGrath courts on Saturday and everything is pointing towards a much-improved showing from the Rebels.
The improved standard of play in A Grade was only part of the reason behind last year's results as a raft of injuries left the side battling for numbers at time.
"We had a bad season last year through injury so we're getting that core group back together and getting that experience back," Rhinos' Ange Read said.
"Obviously top four would be a nice finish for us but, basically, it's about improving from last year and building on that."
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While last year was a battle at times, it was still a sign of progress for the relatively young club.
The Rhinos, having been well known as a rugby union club in the city, started fielding netball teams in 2018 and there's been steady development since.
Read was part of the Rebels side which won the A-Reserve Grade in 2019 and now this season the club has expanded to field an extra senior side.
The sense of community between the netball and rugby players has also improved, with many partners and families featuring across the two sports.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, the support we get from the Rhinos is incredible," Read said.
"They've got our back 100 per cent and to see our team numbers grow each year is great.
"We've got a new C Grade team this year so we've got five seniors and one juniors and a lot of the teams we've got are returning players who come back year after year. We love the Rhinos."
In terms of what to expect on the court, Read said teamwork and unity will be on show as key players return after the injury-ravaged 2020.
It's going from strength to strength.
- Ange Read on netball in Dubbo
Kyla Flick was a player Read highlighted as one to watch while Caroline Dallinger, a former A Grade player, has returned to Dubbo after time in Newcastle and has linked up with the Rhinos Rebels.
"Kyla Flick, she always puts in 100 per cent effort on the court and has been our players' player the past two years in a row," Read said, before mentioning Dallinger.
"She hasn't played in Dubbo for about four years but is back with us and that will be good."
Brooke Albert is another back from serious injury and her consistency on the court will also be key from this weekend, when the Rebels take on St Groovers.
St Groovers are new to the A Grade competition this year, as are the Nyngan Cougars.
Nyngan meets the Macquarie Hornets on Saturday while Fusion Heat begins its bid for a stunning fifth straight A Grade title with a battle against clubmates Fusion Wild.
The Narromine Hawks have the bye.
"It's going from strength to strength," Read said of netball in Dubbo.
"There's always new teams coming in and old teams coming back so we're excited."
The Rhinos Rebels and St Groovers play from 12pm.
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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.
