By Nick Creely
There’s something special brewing for the Dandenong Jayco Rangers this season.
Whether it’s the exciting new recruits, or the continued development of their squad, or the incredible work done by the sponsors and the board, The Rangers are building a winning culture.
The entire squad was unveiled at the season launch on Wednesday 21 September at the Well in Dandenong South, and the club is buzzing with excitement.
The packed restaurant was full of energy and enthusiasm with the supporters, sponsors, players and coaches all supremely confident that the squad was primed to be the best.
Speaking at the official launch, Rangers coach Larissa Anderson was buoyant about the up-coming season and spoke glowingly about what the club is capable of.
“Once again, I am extremely proud of how the group has come together in the lead up to the upcoming season.
“Our pre-season is quite different to most since so many of our players participate in the SEABL competition during the off season.
“It is important we just stay focussed on what we need to do so that we are both fresh but also ready for the start of the WNBL season.
“We’re in a good place; we’ve got a lot of work to do step-by-step but I think that we have built a really good core group.
“A couple of the girls were saying last night that they feel a little bit more advanced than this time last year so that is a good sign.
“As a coach you always like more time to prepare for such a big season but there is nothing you can do when seasons are so close to each other.
“You are looking at a very special group of girls. They work hard but also really enjoy each other’s company,” Anderson said.
Anderson was excited about the upcoming pre-season matches, saying that the group were eager to get the season started.
“These quality matches are exactly what we need a couple of weeks out from the opening round.
“We’ve got one more session tomorrow night and then I am very much looking forward to seeing where we are at,” Anderson said.
Co-captain Aimie Clydesdale is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of the season saying she has overcome her injuries from last season and worked on certain areas of her own game.
“I want to have more of an impact as last season was really disappointing getting injured and it was quite tough to get myself back in.
“I’ve really worked on my outside shot and my pull-up jump-shot for this season as I’ve always been seen as a driver and teams kind of play me that way.
“I just want to have more of a scoring threat and distribute the ball, get other players shots.”
Clydesdale is also extremely confident about the team’s hopes going into the season, saying the squad has its eyes on the major prize.
“I genuinely think that we have the team that can do it and bringing back so many girls from last season means we aren’t starting from scratch.
The Rangers kick-off their season against UC Capitals at Southern Cross Stadium on 8 October with tip-off at 5pm.
“Canberra’s not that far so if anyone feels like a weekend away, we would love some Ranger fans to make the trip with us on 8 October.”
The first Dandenong home match will be against Perth Lynx on 16 October with tip-off at 5pm and the club is hoping for a full-house at Dandenong Stadium to lift the team.
The Jayco Rangers 2016/17 WNBL squad: Larissa Anderson (Head Coach), 5 Aimie Clydesdale, 8 Stephanie Cumming, 9 Jacinta Kennedy, 10 Chloe Bibby, 11 Lauren Scherf, 14 Amelia Todhunter, 15 Sara Blicavs, 21 Natalie Novosel, 22 Rosie Fadljevic, 33 Ally Malott, Bree Whatman and Rachel Antoniadou.
