The early-season break did little to slow down Heat’s fast rise to the top of the table, as the runners-up from the grand final marched to a third straight win.
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The league leaders romped to a 56-39 win over United Fever in the third round of the competition, remaining just one of two teams still undefeated.
Heat’s manager Kerrie Brady revealed the squad had started their preseason early, a move that may have given them a leg-up on their rivals.
“Our coach, Helen Grogan, got the team settled really early and started work on the season before a lot of people had finished [with signings],” Brady said.
The Heat squad also picked up a number of new recruits in the off-season including shooter Claire Kowald, who has already proven her talents with a number of goals.
However, Kowald was absent against Fever last weekend, proving Heat’s versatile depth for the campaign.
“The squad is around fifty percent girls from last season, and we picked up a lot of good players for the new year,” Brady said. “They’ve settled in well under the coach so far.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Watters remained close behind Heat’s strong start with a 47-25 win over United Fury.
Also on the weekend, Central Crossfire moved into fourth place after their 31-22 win over United Sass.
Purnells won by default after Job Done forfeited due to player numbers.
Table: Heat (9), Watters (9), Purnells (7), Central Crossfire (7), United Sass (5), Job Done (4), United Fever (3), United Fury (3).
Isaac McIntyre
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
