Football
9 April, 2024
Noradjuha Quantong 2024 Season Preview
A look at Noradjuha Quantong's 2024 season in both football and netball and a message from President Darren Scott.
Noradjuha Quantong were the big improvers in the Horsham and District Football Netball League last season and with natural improvement, they will be looking to take the next step.
Coached by Damian Cameron again, his second year in charge, the Bombers have retained most of their list from last year whilst bringing in some younger players.
They are at an age where the bulk of the team is around the 21-24 age bracket.
Judah Hobbs returns to the club following a stint away. He played juniors with the club and has been training well. Harley and Ryder Pope join from Horsham. Harley played senior football whilst this will be Ryder's first year out of juniors.
They also benefited from the amalgamation between the Southern Mallee Giants and Jeparit Rainbow Storm signing key defender Brayden Carra from the Giants.
Cameron said he is excited about what they will bring to the club.
"These young guys are exciting and they are passionate about their footy and hopefully they will slot in well and help us continue what we started last year," Cameron said.
"We are young and now have experience, so the natural improvement will be huge. We are getting a team in the right age bracket that has their best footy ahead of them.
"With the Storm leaving, it opens a gap and it's always in the back of our head how close we came and that is motivating us for this season."
Cameron said their strength this year is their backline and the midfield is bolstered and improved. When asked who will take their game to the next level this year, he mentioned a few names.
"Declan Bushby had a big preseason and showed glimpses of what he can do when he puts it all together and on the wing, he is going to be huge for us," he said.
"Wade Francis as our captain has had his biggest pre-season ever and he is ready to put a stamp on the league.
"James Hallett and James Gregg are another two that are looking good and will be big for us through the midfield."
The Bombers will be looking at bringing a similar style to last year and have the potential to be a formidable outfit.
The Bombers open their season at home against reigning premiers Harrow Balmoral.
NETBALLERS READY TO STRIKE
After making the semifinals last year, Noradjuha Quantong netballers will be looking to go better when they tackle the 2024 season.
Coached by Fiona Rowe again, the bombers have a similar team to last year. Whilst they haven't been looking to outside help much, with Holly Nuske the biggest name recruit from the Horsham Demons, they have been developing from within and Rowe said they want to develop as a team.
"Focusing on this year we aim to continue to develop and extend our connections with our teammates," Rowe said.
"We have had good numbers at training and we have been focusing on getting that base fitness and the strength whilst applying our netball skills under high intensity. We are ready to hit round one."
Going deep into finals is the aim and Rowe knows they need to focus every game.
"We need to take every game as it comes and every game we need to be switched on," Rowe said.
"The competition will be strong this year and we can't let a game slip.
"We need to continuously grow and develop each week and most importantly, learn from our experiences."
When asked who is standing out and could have a big season, Rowe didn't want to single anyone out but mentioned a couple of names, including league best and fairest from 2023, Brook Pay.
"Brook Pay and Shannon Couch up each end are going to be hard for the opposition," Rowe said.
"Holly Nuske has been outstanding in pre-season and it is exciting to see her gel with the rest of the team and fit in. She is going to bring a lot to our midcourt. We are excited to see what she can produce".
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Darren Scott is enjoying his first year as president. Scott took over from Matt Treacy and said the club is in a strong position.
"We will be fielding teams in all grades. The numbers have been good," he said.
"Senior netball may have lost a couple of players but they are still looking good and the senior footballers did well last year.
"We had a bit of luck with injuries but with Jeparit leaving and Edenhope down a bit in netball, I'd be disappointed if we didn't finish in the top four."
In a league first, the Bombers held the Grand Final at Quantong Recreation Reserve and whilst nothing has been announced yet, they will be hoping with last year's success, it is held there again.
Scott said big reunions are coming up later in the year.
"On August 10 we have our past player days which will also feature the Noradjuha 40-year and Quantong 30-year reunions."