NEW Collingullie-Glenfield Park netball coach coach Wenda Guthrie knows the loss of key players Jemima Norbury and Brigetta Hart is a big hole to fill.
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But the Demons have taken a great first step toward doing so by luring Ella Finemore and Lily Wild back to the Riverina League.
Finemore was hugely influential alongside Sarah O'Leary for The Rock-Yerong Creek in defence last year as they surged to a third straight flag, while Demons junior Wild was a mainstay in attack.
Finemore will reunite with sister Hannah at the Demons as they look to end their drought after failing to turn five straight minor premierships into a single title.
Collingullie succumbed to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United Eastlakes in last year's grand final, with Norbury and Hart also sharing the coaching reins.
Norbury accepted an offer to coach Hume League outfit Lockhart, while Hart is holidaying in Europe.
"Players of their calibre will be very difficult to replace, not just their skill set but knowledge of the game and their ability to communicate on court," Guthrie said.
"We've still got some senior players there, Michelle Forrell in particular. It'll be different, but sometimes that's good.
"I was approached by the club (to coach) but probably equally as important is the fact my girls (Holly and Paige) have been there a few years now and they've played their best netball at Collingullie.
"I've always been a set of eyes in the background for A-grade and A-res if anyone wanted to ask me anything, so I already know a lot of the girls."
Guthrie said being a non-playing coach "has its pros and cons" and is looking forward to the challenge of her first head coaching role.
"I'm passionate about the sport and feel lucky to delve into it in greater depth.
"It's lovely to have Ella with us and she's got a really strong skill set which lends itself to both ends of the court.
"I feel like last year's top five teams were particularly strong in my opinion, one of the most even competitions we've ever had and that's really good for the league."
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