That’s the view of their coach Melissa Noonan as her side chases its first win for the year against Nova Fusion this afternoon.

The majority of the team have been together since the beginning of 2013 and so far the signs are positive that they could improve on what they have done in their two previous campaigns.

They lost 38-22 in the opening round but acquitted themselves well enough against perennial finalists Bulldogs Verdelho.

A week later they lost 52-24 to Panthers but had some extenuating circumstances surrounding them with only five regulars available.

A bye followed, but they will start as favourites against the Fusion team today who have struggled to play their best netball in three defeats so far.

“The first round was OK but against Panthers we had to bring two players up from the lower grades. I think so far I’d give the side a pass mark on what they’ve done,” Noonan said.

“We took a while to work out who’d be in the key positions.

“There are still a lot of babies in the side. We’ve picked up one new player in Paige Taylor who’ll be in defence while Danica Flood has moved away to go to university, so she’ll be missed.”

Players like Sam Thompson, Ebony Hotham, Elise Gullifer, Lily McIntosh and Chelsea Gibbs have all been part of the side since its inception and their coach is crossing her fingers that her core group can push for a top four spot.

Any such claims have to be backed up by a win today.

“I’d like to hope that we’re at the stage where we can look to make the top four, but it is still going to be a tough ask,” Noonan said.

“We only have a regular squad of eight players so it makes depth a pretty big issue. We are without Chelsea for this weekend’s game too because of injury.

“This is definitely a winnable match for us. Nova have had a tough start to the season, though they’ve probably played better with each game.

“We have worked hard in training and had a good session on Monday night, so hopefully this is where it starts for us.”

Collegians play Nova from 2.30pm while LJ Hooker Heat meet Panthers Duncans at 1.15pm and City Colts play Bulldogs Verdelho at 3.45pm.