It's never easy being a new franchise in a well-established competition, and when you throw in the upheaval caused by COVID-19 it gets even more difficult to find your way.
However, South Coast Blaze have been quick to make their mark regardless.
One of two expansion franchises welcomed into the Origin Energy Premier League back in 2020, the South Coast are locked, loaded and ready to rock after the pandemic brought a premature end to last year's competition.
"Whilst enjoyment is always part and parcel of the game, the weekly focus and intent will be on building the team cohesion at every opportunity," Opens Head Coach Marj Parr says.
"There are several strong teams across the Premier League competition, each with their own particular strengths, so being able to build our team and rise to each opposition is going to be heavily factored into our pre-season preparation.
"The top four finalists over the past two seasons have been consistently strong and teams to watch, but we need to recognise that there is an opportunity for other teams that can complete a full season of netball, they could certainly push themselves into the top four (by seasons’ end).
"For Blaze Opens (completing a full season), it will enable our athletes to have a competitive and successful season and grow in our third year of Premier League netball together and regain some valuable playing time that we have missed over the past two interrupted years."
Blaze Under 23s Head Coach Regan Tweddle knows the nature of the age group means the development of her players is vital.
"Every year U23s coaches are presented with athletes wanting to step up to the Opens or athletes that are pursuing their life after netball, so it is a constantly changing environment," she says.
"There are new faces in the Blaze U23s in the capacity of contracted athletes and training partners, and some are even new to the Origin Premier League space and the elite level of training and commitment that is required.
"Despite these changes, everyone has settled into the routine very smoothly with dedication to the Blaze family and an excellent understanding of what the club stands for."
The lessons of the past few years have her prepared for many different scenarios. But one thing that will ring true is Blaze pride.
"I am expecting a year of being proud of the Blaze brand and what we can achieve but also demonstrating this with humbleness and respect both on and off the court," Tweddle added.
"It is another challenging year in the sporting world, never knowing how COVID will affect the season and the individual athletes, so we need a year of resilience and banding together to get through the competition to play competitive netball week in and week out.
"Vying for those top-two finishes in each pool will prove hard work, and you will need to put out your best performance every week. Any team can beat anyone on the night, the competition is going to be a tough one."
Come the first week of April it’s time for the Blaze to burn bright.
