Ballarat Sovereigns head coach Natasha Chokljat said Bibby was working hard to

get up to speed with the intensity required for the Victorian Netball League in what will be the Sovereigns’ debut season.

The Sovereigns are depleted in centre-courters

to work with for training leading into Christmas, due to injury, but Chokljat was pleased with how her squad was shaping up, although she said there was still a fair bit of work to do.

“There’s such an early start to the season and we’ve got a whole new group that we’re trying to bring together, which can be really difficult. But the work rate is up and we’re really gelling as a team,” she said.

“We’ve got a lot of new talent. Some of the girls have not played at the top level before.

“Cynna Kydd and Lauren Atkinson have really taken the reins because they’re used to training and playing at that level.

“Players are working hard and I’m really pleased with how fitness has increased and the quality of balls they’re putting out.”

The Sovereigns will open their VNL campaign against the Peninsula Waves on February 7 in a tough season start with three games, all at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Melbourne.

This means there is no time to waste in preparations.

The playing squad will continue to train next week, with a final strength and conditioning session next Thursday before a short break for Christmas and New Year.

Players will be back in training from January 12 before their first inter-club practice hit-out a week later.

The Sovereigns’ VNL draw features two home games at the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre – hosting City West and neighbouring rival Geelong – and a match in Geelong, with the competition as a whole to feature three rounds played away from the league’s State Netball Hockey League base.

Chokljat said home games this season were really important, not just to break up travels to Melbourne for players each week, but also to show the city what the Sovereigns were all about.

“It’s all really new and exciting,” she said.

“It’s a really exciting time to try and impress sponsors and supporters.”