TASTING success after a five-year drought in 2024, Casterton Sandford’s A Grade side is gearing up for a big year, with a key signing to boost the ranks.


Danielle Tooley will join husband Sam, who is signed with the Senior football side, at the Cattery in 2025.


The talented goaler comes from a year at Dartmoor, where she was named player of the finals series – the A Grade Giants pipped at the final hurdle – and a premiership with Keith in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara association, over the border.


After struggling to bother the opposition for three seasons (other seasons missed, with Covid-19), the A Grade side found its rhythm under coach Jodie Humphries in 2024, posting two victories and a number of close encounters.


Netball director, Tori Broomby said the Cats were excited to have a player of Tooley’s calibre and experience to help build on that momentum and progress, this season.


“Not only her height, but her read of the ball, her athleticism, just a different style of player, which is really nice to bring to that top level,” Broomby said.


“When Danielle’s here, she’s here to play and that professionalism and taking that next step is what Madelene and the coaches have been working really hard for this year, so having Danielle part of that team is just going to benefit everyone.


“And she’s such a lovely person, great to be around and has already brought so much extra enthusiasm to the courts … everyone, I think, has an extra kick in their step, knowing that Danielle’s going to be around for the year.


“The A Grade girls will benefit immensely and that will filter down through to all of our grades.”


After joking at Dartmoor’s presentation evening about a potential move for then Coleraine Maroon husband Sam, to the Giants, Tooley said the decision to make the move to leave that club was not an easy one, but she was committed to and excited about the coming season.


“There was really no hope for Sam to come to Dartmoor … his work’s here … it’s always nice travelling with the husband instead of going separate ways so to have a season with him is going to be nice,” she said.


“Dartmoor’s still a very special place in my heart, so it was a tricky one to decide, but I thought I’d give it a crack with a great bunch of girls over here and I’m really excited to be here.


“Everyone’s been so welcoming and there’s a few familiar faces, which is nice to come over to and everyone’s really into it, really dedicated to their game; it’s great to see.”


And is there potential for finals?


Tooley is not saying ‘no’.


“You’re always in for a premiership, as long as you have got the right attitude,” she said.


“We have got a great bunch of girls here, so we’ll certainly give it a crack!”


The A Grade Cats have been fortunate to retain their playing list from 2024, with the possible exception of young-gun, Chelsea Hulm, who has university commitments.


Led by playing coach, Madelene Cleary, the Cats’ core experience of Caeleigh Humphries, Chloe Finnigan, Holly Smith, Ebany Jarrad and Makayla Hutchins will be well-supported by the likes of Brydie and Phoebe Carlin, Indi Longhurst and Ivy Lane, who have all had a taste of A Grade netball in recent seasons and will be knocking at the door for selection in that senior side – a rock and a hard place for selectors, according to director Broomby.


“I really do not envy our coaches at the moment during the selection process, because it’s going to be extremely hard … there’s so much enthusiasm, so much hard work and so much talent coming out on the courts across all of the grades,” she said.


“Which is good, there’s going to be so much push in those top ends in particular, we have not had that for as long as I can remember.


“Everyone just wants to be part of it and they’re already working hard for it, which is really exciting.”


The Cats have also finalised their senior coaching line-up for 2025, with Brydie Ayton taking the lead in the coaching co-ordinator’s role.


“Bridie brings a lot of enthusiasm and she’s just really excited to bring the team together …and we have got that connection with the (club) executive, Bridie being on the executive, so we can really support each other,” Broomby said.


“All the coaches so far have just been working together to accommodate all abilities at training and we have had so much positive feedback from the players.


“We have had nearly 40 girls at training, spread across all grades, for the seniors – it’s just phenomenal.


“All players have been leaving the court at training really happy and it’s a good place to be, which is really exciting.”


Haylee Rhook returns to the Cats’ coaching line-up in 2025, leading the A Reserve side, Emily Osborne takes on the B Grade Cats after previously working with junior grades, Val and Kerry Harvey sign-on as coach and assistant coach of C Grade.


“It’s exciting to have Haylee back after a year off,” Broomby said.


“She said she just really missed being around the netball courts and she still has so much to give.


“She’s so knowledgeable and experienced; her enthusiasm, her drive and her passion for the game and the club are second to none.


“With Emily, to have someone new to really get involved in the group, to bring those new fresh eyes, a new dimension and a few changes … a change is a good as a holiday and she brings a lot to the coaching group.


“Kerry and Val Harvey, you could not get a better team than and we’re really excited about this new combo.


“Val has so much knowledge and so much experience and the time to be able to put that dedication into the C Grade girls.


“Val obviously has not been involved in the coach for a few years, but she’s always there, always analysing, checking in and … everyone loves Kez, she’s so easy to get along with and just brings that extra spark to that C Grade side.


Former 15 & Under B coach, Emma Grigg, takes on the youngest of the senior sides, holding the helm with the 17 & Unders.


“Emma is so enthusiastic, so keen to really work with that group,” Broomby said.


“It’s a fresh group of girls, 10 girls we’re looking at this year and a great mix of top age, bottom age and a few new faces.


“Emma brings so much enthusiasm and positivity and she’ll be great with that mix of ages and ability.


“She also works really hard behind the scenes, working hard at developing her coaching, she’s doing extra coaching courses and accreditations.


“She has worked a few years with the 15B girls and has done an outstanding job with them and I think she’s definitely ready to take that next step and work with the 17s.”


The Cats get their first taste of the new-look Limestone Coast competition on 29 March, when they take on West Gambier, at home, but the Cats will have to wait until round three before getting a good look at the newcomers to the league, when they’ll travel over the border to face Penola.