Semi-finals are fast approaching in Wagga and District Juniors and Wagga Swans' under 14s intend to make something of them.
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In an intriguing age division, North Wagga sit unbeaten on top of the ladder and, with two weeks left, Wagga Tigers, Turvey Park and the Swans are jostling for the other top four spots.
The Swans play the two teams below them in the remaining weeks, including Collingullie-Glenfield Park again, having had a good win against the Demons last Sunday.
"They're rolling along pretty nicely at the moment. They're starting to play some good footy at the right time but they're really enjoying their footy and having fun," coach Tim Bourke said.
"We didn't play finals last year, we got knocked around a bit, and the year before we got knocked out in the first week of finals so we haven't gone too deep in the finals for a while... I think we can improve and we've shown really good signs."
The Swans won only two games in a full season last year. They're hopeful of racking up five in eight games this year, and perhaps a top two finish.
The table-topping North Wagga beat the Swans by only two points early in the season and Bourke says his players are growing in confidence that they can match it with anyone.
"The beauty of this team is they play for each other and we've been big on that," Bourke said.
"There's no one more important than each other and we rely on everyone, whether you get 50 kicks or five kicks. The value of that and the value the team plays is starting to show on the paddock."
Captains Caleb Walker and Coby Bourke have impressed along with Jordan Saffery, Henry Burns and Lachlan Dicker, who has returned from soccer.
And two talented arrivals from the Northern Jets, Noah Harper and Harry Roscarel, have been instrumental in the Swans' improvement.
The under 14s are also carrying the hopes of their club, which doesn't have an under 13s or 15s, although the 12s are fourth in their age group (and play the two teams either side of them in coming weeks).
On the netball court, the Swans have teams in all age groups this year and their success can be measured in more than finals appearances.
"We're more into the improvement and development of our kids. A lot of our girls haven't played netball before so we're trying to make it fun and just improve on their skills." netball coordinator Sharee Walker said.
The under 11s and under 12s both enjoyed wins last weekend.
In a sign of the club's spirit, their under 14s netball side is coached by former Swans footballer, Nathanael Mooney. Walker said Mooney has done an amazing job with the team, including leading them to their first win in a couple of years earlier in the season.
"It was very exciting and it's great that he's got on board. We also have girls who play in the 15s coaching our 10s and we have ex-players who have come back and help out at training sessions and on game day. It's been really good this year and it's a good sign of a family-oriented club I think," Walker said.
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