‘Close but no cigar’ summed up Mooroopna’s 2023 succinctly.
That Cats were within a game of a minor premiership and a grand final appearance, but fine margins denied Di Hanslow’s gifted squad of any reward.
They have the drive and talent, but whether the Cats can make it click when it counts surely determines if Mooroopna ends September with silverware or not.
Ella Ogier has crossed the Midland Hwy to join her sisters at Shepparton, while Maddison Wong has elected not to suit up in the navy, leaving gaps at either end of the court.
But, as good teams do, Mooroopna has plugged said gaps.
The club has rolled out the sublimely skilled ex-Cat Mia Fallon in the midcourt while Dayna Williams returns from a season-ending ACL injury.
“Dayna Williams will be returning to the team after doing her ACL last season (providing) massive firepower up either end of the court,” Hanslow said.
“She brings a wealth of VNL experience playing again in 2024 with the Melbourne University 23-and-under side.
“Mia Fallon returns to the club (and) will be a huge bonus to the senior team.
“Mia will bring a lot of power to our midcourt and her flexibility to be a defensive option is another strength."
With Mooroopna fielding five sides in finals for the first time last season, Hanslow is sanguine about the new blood that will leap into the A-grade fold this year.
“Some very exciting junior talent across all of Mooroopna’s four other sides will be just as fascinating to watch out for.”
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