The Bulldogs won a thriller last September but retirements and a constant list of outs each week have produced mixed results in 2016.

After 12 rounds the team sits sixth with six wins and six losses, a game and significant percentage out of the top five.

“We’ve played some really great netball at times but we’ve just struggled to maintain consistency for four quarters throughout a match,” coach Kelli Moylan said. 

Three of last year’s premiership team retired, three had sustained long-term injuries and others brought into the squad had also broken down.

“I don’t think I’ve had a full side to select from all year because we’ve just had injuries,” Moylan said.

“Each week it’s been more of a case of filling holes.

“We’ve just had to play with what we’ve had rather than have options; if something’s not working we just haven’t had the depth to be able to fix that. 

“Given all those circumstances we’re probably doing quite well to be at least pushing for a finals spot.”

Moylan said one positive was the opportunities offered to young players like Jess Miles, now an A grader after winning the league’s 16 and under best and fairest award last year.

“No sort of easing in through B or C grade, just straight up to A,” Moylan said.

The coach said Miles was doing an amazing job, but had also been out with injury for about six weeks.

League 2015 C grade runner-up Mel Scatchard had also stepped up to the top grade.

Moylan said the club hoped premiership player Jane Cook, who helped Victorian Fury to an Australian Netball League title on Sunday, might be available for some games, although the shooter’s elite netball commitments were heavy.

“It’s going to be very much dependent on her schedule,” the coach said.

“It’s a bit of a week by week thing really, we keep in regular contact. 

“She would love to come home and play. 

“She has been to quite a few of our games this year but she hasn’t been allowed to play. 

“When she’s home she comes to training and helps out at training.

“She’s a Wodonga girl and she’s still got lots of friends and family here." 

Moylan said the Bulldogs still aimed to progress beyond the home and away season and knew that required more than just defeating all the lower-ranked teams.

“We going to need to have a couple of wins over teams in the top five if we are going to play finals,” she said.

“Have everyone available and I think we’ll certainly push some of the top teams.”