After emerging from the opening round with two wins and a draw, Samantha Dippel's side sits atop the nascent Ruby North ladder – a position that brings both satisfaction and heightened expectations.
"It's a nice feeling being on top of the ladder, but we know that we're the ones that everyone will come back real hard to beat," Dippel said.
"We're definitely expecting some really hard games over the weekend. The girls are looking for a great challenge – I don't think Saturday can come quick enough."
Dippel deliberately kept expectations measured heading into the first round, conscious of roster changes across the competition.
What pleased her most wasn't just the results, but how her team delivered them.
"I knew we'd be strong in our connections and our composure because we'd been working really hard on that mentality piece – just putting team first," she said. "We just played our game; everything else around us didn't matter."
The Claws' only blemish was a gripping draw with North Queensland, creating an unfinished rivalry that adds spice to their Saturday morning rematch.
From what she observed in round one, Dippel believes the competition has already elevated in 2026, particularly around tactical use of the two-point shot.
"The strategy has definitely picked up this year," she noted. "It's great to see we're evolving as a competition."
The excitement of hosting is palpable, with ticket sales already approaching 400 for the weekend.
"For a local netball team, it's crazy to see where we've come in a year's time," Dippel said.
"The girls have built these little role models – all the young ones are starting to get to know who they are and wanting their signatures. It's really starting to build that nice community feel."
The second round of Ruby North begins on Saturday at CQ University in Rockhampton. A full list of fixtures is available here.
Don't miss any of the action. Catch every match from of Ruby North streamed LIVE AND FREE on netballqtv.com.au.
