The Adelaide Thunderbirds travelled to Ballarat over the weekend for two pre-season matches against reigning premiers the Melbourne Vixens.
A close encounter in the opening match led to the Vixens taking the win by just one goal on Saturday afternoon.
The match featured the entirety of the Thunderbirds' bench including training partners Tayla Williams and Lucy Austin.
On Sunday, it was the Adelaide side who put their foot down and defeated the Vixens by an emphatic 19 goals, 70-51.
Thunderbirds head coach Tania Obst said the side travelled to Ballarat with a clear goal in mind.
"We went to Ballarat to trial a number of combinations, get our South Africans immersed back into the team and continue to work on our new values that drive our culture," Obst said.
"We were able to tick all those boxes as well as gain a 19-goal win over last year's premiers."
"We trialed two different combinations in the first half which took some time to gel in both quarters - we were a too hesitant with the ball and gave it up too easily which was enough to put us behind at half-time.
"Our combination in the second half slipped into gear easier and we executed our skills at a higher level. We were also able to stick to structure and made less unforced errors.
"It was pleasing to see us pull back the deficit in the second half. This gave our team confidence heading into the next day’s game."
After reviewing the first match, Obst said it was clear what the side needed to work on in game two.
"We were disappointed with some of our simple skill errors and knew we could easily correct these," Obst said.
"We entered the next match with more intent on the task at hand and stayed true to the game plan.
"Our ball movement and full court defensive pressure during this game were two highlights and something we will continue to build on."
Reflecting on both games, Obst praised the performances of youngsters Austin and Williams.
"Lucy created movement when needed as well as being strong target within the goal circle. Her shooting was also at the standard expected at SSN level," Obst said.
"It’s been pleasing to watch her progress over the pre-season and then put out that performance against the Vixens.
"Tayla is a very smart netballer who understood the role expected of her and played it very well on the weekend. She continues to build on her game after some challenges with injury in the past.
"It’s pleasing to see athletes within our pathway slip into the team seamlessly and perform."
Obst was also pleased to see the new defensive combination of Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson in the defensive end with experienced star Shamera Sterling.
"The addition of both Matilda and Latanya’s qualities combine well with Shamera," Obst said.
"Tilly is relishing time on the SSN court and Latty gets better each time she steps out there.
"The signs are promising for an even more exciting defence end in 2021."
The Thunderbirds will take on the West Coast Fever this weekend in another two pre-season matches.
The first will be played on Friday night, April 16 at the Berri Toyota Arena and the second will be the exhibition match for the club's Fan Day on Sunday, April 18 at Netball SA Stadium.
To purchase tickets for Fan Day, click here.
