FIRST year North Wangaratta coach Kim Graetz couldn't be happier with how things are going at the club and believes the Hawks can cause an upset against powerhouse Greta tomorrow.
Graetz, who joined the Hawks half way through the 2011 season, has taken on the job of coaching the Hawks' A, B and C grade sides.
The defender coached her first victory against Bonnie Doon last week and said she was enjoying the challenge.
"I'm absolutely loving it," she said.
"The club is run remarkably well the committee and the supporters have been fantastic.
"We have more new girls than returning girls but they are a wonderful bunch.
"It makes my job easier."
Last season was a difficult one for the Hawks as they won just two games and finished a disappointing 13th on the ladder.
But with Graetz taking the reins over the off-season, she said while each side was young, they all had expectations of making finals.
"We have a lot of young players," she said.
"But right through our sides we have a good mix of experience and youth.
"Every side had to make goals and the A grade side want to make the top five.
"It's a realistic goal and they will be disappointed if they don't reach it."
And while coming up against the Blues tomorrow might be a daunting prospect for most clubs, Graetz said the Hawks were determined to put in a good showing.
Graetz said the Hawks were well aware of the Blues' strengths but said they would be implementing strategies to cut down their efficiency.
"We are aiming to keep close to them in distance or even go over the top of them," she said.
"We really need to shut down their mid-court drives and the set-ups they run through there."
In other matches, reigning premier Whorouly should notch up its third victory of the season against Glenrowan, Goorambat faces King Valley in what should be an exciting match while Bright hosts Benalla.
Moyhu travels to Swanpool, Bonnie Doon will fancy its chances of knocking off Tatong while Milawa takes on Tarrawingee on Sunday.
By - JEREMY WILSON.
www.nenews.com.au
SHARP SHOOTER: Milawa's Jami Hunt in action last weekend.
Last Modified on 20/04/2012 12:17