FIRED UP: Ballarat Pride training on Sunday ahead of the launch their new Victorian Netball League campaigns in town on Saturday night
ATTENTION netball fans: Ballarat Pride players are calling for vocal home-town support.They are ready to launch their new Victorian Netball League campaigns in town on Saturday night.This is the first time UB Pride has opened a state league season at home.UB Pride's three teams joined forces for an intense, gruelling work-out on Sunday ? the last chance to meet together before starting the season in front of Ballarat crowds at the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre.The vibe was upbeat, though business-like, ahead of hosting league heavyweight Monash University Central for the clash.There are plenty of new faces in Pride ranks after selectors scoured western Victoria and the Ballarat district for promising players.Pride 19-under Gina McCartin, the league's most valuable player last season, and sister Stacey, a four-time The Athlete's Foot Cup most valuable player, are well-versed in playing before home crowds.But they still get a buzz from the crowd in a rare chance to showcase what the VNL was all about."It's a good start to open the season up and good way to introduce players," Stacey McCartin said.Stacey has been promoted to Pride's new-look championship division line-up. Centre-courter Johanna Dash is the sole returning member of the marquee team.Stacey said pre-season had been all about learning each other's games but the players looked forward to their first official match ? with home-town support for back-up."Championship's very tough and physical, you're playing against much bigger bodies," McCartin said."It's been very demanding and high-intensity."We're a new team and we're all learning together."Pride 19-unders have been touted as a strong outfit leading into the season.A win against powerhouse Hume City Falcons in pre-season competition last week has bolstered confidence.Gina McCartin, entering her third 19-under season, said her team could hardly wait to get started."We've got an exciting young team and are looking like we have heaps of promise," McCartin said.Pride home game action gets underway from 6pm. Doors open at 5.30pm.
