This season was shaping up to be a bumper one for the Panthers netball club, and their A grade side was getting ready to lead the charge.

Last year's grand finalists Panthers, like every other team across the city, had their season stopped before it could even start due to COVID-19.

At least 25 Panthers teams across all ages groups and divisions had been entered for this year's BNA season, which would have started earlier this month if not for the interruption.

Panthers A grade coach Di Coombes is hopeful the competition can get underway from the proposed July 25 date and that her team can try and go one place better than they did during 2019's promising season of netball.

Some of the team have already had the chance to enjoy some representative minutes, which could prove valuable.

"In Regional League we're either first or second in all grades, and our opens are in third," Coombes said.

"Our juniors are so strong right now. Our 17s are going great and the 15s, who I have, are undefeated so far."

From a club perspective the Panthers had taken another stride forward in 2020.

They look set to continue their large presence across the top two grades of the competition when play resumes.

"We were doing so well before it all shut down. In A grade we'll possibly have five teams, depending on whether A and A reserve is done separately this year, because they were combined last year," she said.

"Ange Best's young guns are coming up as well. Even in our colts junior A grade we'll have three Panthers teams as well.

"It's a big positive for us that we've continued to grow as a club. A lot of juniors are coming through. Everyone's hoping to get some sort of season in, and all clubs are keen to get whatever we can out of it.

Currently the leading proposal for the top grade competition is a one-round competition but this is yet to be finalised.

Coombes doesn't mind what form the season takes, as long as everyone has the chance to get some time on court.

"We still have to meet to discuss that, and then there's grading and making sure we're all doing the right thing regarding everyone's safety," she said.

"These days there's a lot of girls crossing over into other sports so hopefully when everyone gets the green light they'll all be able to keep playing in every sport they do.

"It's the same with every sport though. Everyone's just waiting to see what happens."

Panthers A grade lost just one regular season match on their way to the grand final and are expecting to once again be a leading contender when 2020's season eventually gets underway.