WANL 2022: Souwest Jets ready for take-off in season opener against Curtin Hamersley Comets on home turf

Despite having an injury setback, the Souwest Jets are clear for take-off as the 2022 WA Netball League season starts this weekend. Souwest Jets are set to begin their 2022 WANL campaign on Saturday when they host the Curtin Hamersley Comets at Eaton Recreation Centre. Head coach Karly Guadagnin told the South Western Times the group was very excited to return to the court, particularly with a home game to start the season. “It’s been good to get back into the Jets environment and getting around the club,” she said. “We’re really looking forward to having our home ground advantage to see all our supporters and get going. “We love coming back (to Eaton Recreation Centre) for the crowd support and we really thrive when we play in front of our families and friends in the South West. “The Comets are a really strong team but we’re focused on just looking at us at our best, having an idea of where we’re at as a group, making sure we’re converting at our attacking end and chipping away defensively.” However, the Jets will be without defender and reigning Jill McIntosh medallist Ruth Aryang, who suffered a torn ACL while representing Western Australia at the 19/U national championships earlier this month. Guadagnin said the Jets coaches were working through their defensive approach with the likes of Shaye Skraha, Riley Culnane and Brooke O’Connor featuring alongside some of the club’s training partners. “Brooke will be coming back from having her first baby so she’ll be looking to play a few minutes this weekend,” she said. “We’ve had a few girls from our training environment emerge as well like Jen Brown who’s from the South West and has played with the Jets through her younger years. “She’ll be coming into the team this weekend while we work through a decision on a replacement player for the season. “We will also have Brooke Repacholi coming back as well after she had a year off due to injury.” The Jets will also have a new face in Sophie Eastaugh, who made her way to the Jets hangar after moving from the East Freo Sharks. Guadagnin said she felt confident Eastaugh will add another element to the Jets squad after coaching her as part of the WA squad at the 19/U national championships. “She’s really looking forward to the opportunity to play with our team although she may miss this weekend due to a tweak during nationals but we’re waiting confirmation on where she’s at,” she said. “I’m confident she will bring more depth to our attacking end so I’m excited to see her debut whether that’s this weekend or next weekend.” The Jets and the Comets last met at Gold Netball Centre in July last year where the Comets held on to take a 58-33 victory. The Jets and the Comets’ Open match will have its first centre pass from 4pm and the 20s will face off at 6:15pm.