YARRAWONGA believes it has the right mix of youth and experience to bounce back from missing its first A grade grand final in 11 years.
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On top of experienced trio Laura Irvine, Annalise Grinter and Beck Carlyle returning to J.C. Lowe Oval, the Pigeons have landed one of the recruits of the off-season in young Shepparton United shooter Elle Brooks.
Brooks was best on court in Goulburn Valley's under-18 victory over the Ovens and Murray last season.
"We love a good mix," coach Kaitlyn Cummins said.
"That's what excites us.
"We have some talented young ones who can learn from fantastic players.
"Hopefully it keeps our club strong for a really long time."
Yarrawonga bowed out of the finals race in the first semi-final last season with a surprise 51-46 loss to Albury.
We have some talented young ones who can learn from fantastic players. Hopefully it keeps our club strong for a really long time.
- Kaitlyn Cummins
The Pigeons however put plenty of court time into youngsters Indianna Frauenfelder and Tilly Kennedy who would have benefited greatly from the experience.
Under 16 best and fairest winner Lily Sharp is another likely to be given opportunities in the top grade.
"Our focus is on developing those young ones," he said.
"We have Bridget Cassar back as well and she's got a wealth of knowledge."
Ovens and Murray coach Louise Byrne said Brooks had the potential to make a big impression for Yarrawonga after seeing her in action for the Goulburn Valley.
"She knocked our under-17s about," Byrne said.
"She had a very good day.
"She plays with such calm and fluency and doesn't seem to be rattled.
"I'd say she is ahead of her time a bit."