The Kangaroos coach took charge of her squad for a four week pre-Christmas program and then had the girls back early in the new year to prepare for the opening match, which is on Sunday, April 3 against traditional rival Lancaster.
Nelson (formerly Butler), who won the league’s A-grade best-and-fairest award last year, is one of just three regulars from last year’s team turning out in 2022. The others are Kylie Waddingham and Ali Walsh.
They will be served in defence by Dani Holmes, who had a season off while having a baby, and 17-year-old Mooroopna recruit — and former junior best-and-fairest Libby Pangrazio.
Girgarre C-grade coach, and A-grade goaler, Jacinta Turgoose said Pangrazio had come to the club to join her sister, who plays in the B-grade team.
Waddingham, Walsh, Nelson and Teah Ryan will form the base of the midcourt, with Emily Crocker and Turgoose in goals.
Sarah Thorpe is another of the A-grade squad’s defensive players.
Girgarre finished second in A-grade at the end of the home and away season last year, dropping just one game, and was fourth in B-grade.
The team will be different this year due to injuries and retirement.
At junior level the club will have an under-17 team, along with under-13 and under-11.
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