Claws' future looks good

THE Capricorn Claws got a glimpse into the future yesterday as girls flocked to Cathedral College from around Central Queensland to trial for the 2012 teams.

Head coach Barbara Ahmat said she was delighted with the turn out and the quality of young players coming through to fill gaps left as some of last year's regulars move on.

"When you have these changes it is exciting," she said.

The Claws are there to develop young talent in the area and seeing them come through the system is a sign the program is good.

This year teenager Shanita Smith will be having her third season as a Claws player.

After being used sparingly last year, Smith became a regular Claws player in this year's competition.

"Shanita is now a veteran," Ahmat said jokingly.

Perhaps veteran is harsh but the talented wing defence will be asked to take on extra responsibility this time around.

"We are looking to train Shanita for goal defence as well," the coach said. "It will give us more versatility."

An area the Claws have no need to continue to search is in the mid-court area with those central positions well covered.

Prior to yesterday's first trial, Ahmat had expressed concern that the number of players trialling for places in the defensive circle might be less than required but the coach said she was pleasantly surprised by the young talent putting their hands up for those spots.

"There is lots of potential," Ahmat said.

Not that the transition from club netball to the State competition -in which Claws play - is easy as the state teams play their netball with greater intensity.

"We are fortunate the Rockhampton club competition is of a high standard," Ahmat said. "However, the girls will have to step up, especially those who don't play in Rockhampton as they will not be used to it being so physical."

Unlike many other sports, players from outlying centres are keen to try and make the step to the next level and willing to make sacrifices to achieve those ambitions.

"There are girls from Emerald, Blackwater and even Longreach who have nominated," Ahmat said.

That is in addition to Gladstone players who want to try out in the State competition.

Some of those who have stated their interest in being a part of the Claws set up for 2012 missed yesterday's first hit-out but furnished explanations for being absent as Longreach player Brooke Mann did.

Even though Kate Kearney and Poppy Larson have moved from the area, Ahmat had thought she had players capable of stepping into those roles in the shooters circle.

However, now she admits she is short on numbers and that could put a bit of pressure on 2011 Claws player Kira-lee Leo.

Ahmat is in little doubt Leo will respond to the extra challenge.

"Kira is looking very strong," she said. "She was voted the most improved this year and I believe it is the strength and conditioning training that has done that."

One session down for the Claws but already decisions are being made with Ahmat set to announce her first training squad for the season today. "We will be leaving a few spaces in case people come into the area," she said.

While the Claws start their pre-season work a week on Saturday, this weekend will be another big one for the code with 65 players in the 14-17 age group coming into Rockhampton as a part of the junior development program. However, this weekend's clinic is small compared to the one planned for March 4-5 which will be opened up to all codes and involve all aspects of sport from player preparation to administration.