WHEN the 2019 Bathurst Netball Association A grade netball season began, the goal for the Bulldogs Verdelho was not to fight tooth and nail for victories but instead put the emphasis on fun and enjoyment.
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And according to coach Anita van Dartel, it is a box her side has certainly ticked.
"The year has slowly come together," Van Dartel said.
"It was all about the consistency of all our players, and for them to just be happy playing.
"All the girls have been great to coach, they try their hardest and I am so very proud of them."
Bulldogs began the season with four straight wins and heading into this Saturday's round 13 clash with the undefeated Collegians Mystified, sit third on the ladder.
While Bulldogs have lost their last two games - both played since the competition split into A and A reserve 1 grade - van Dartel said it has been over that period her team has shown the most improvement.
"It has been the last couple of weeks where I have seen the biggest improvements," she said.
"All the girls have been working really well as a team and having lots of fun and playing in the spirit of the game, which sometimes can be a real challenge."
Van Dartel naturally has enjoyed seeing her team find success so far this season, but stressed her aim is not to push for a premiership, but forge a group of players who are passionate about netball.
"My main goal at the start of the season was to bring the love of the game back," laughed van Dartel.
"It's about being respectful, having a laugh on the court and then heading home with a smile on your face.
"That's all we really want."
The team face table topping titans Collegians Mystified on Saturday, with only two rounds remaining before the finals.
It will be a tough assignment, but the challenge is not one which concerns the Bulldogs coach.
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"Winning is not a big concern," Van Dartel said.
"We have lost a few players recently unfortunately, meaning that a lot of our rhythm is gone because we had consistent players all playing together and familiar with each other.
"We just want to enjoy the game."
In their current position, Verdelho will likely face an elimination semi-final, but their approach will remain the same.
"We are just going to keep having fun, because that's all that matters," van Dartel said.
"We have a lot of positive spirit and we have just got to be happy."
The Bulldogs Verdelho and Collegians Mystified match will commence on court one at 2.30pm Saturday.
