THE Victorian Netball League (VNL) announced its squad lists yesterday, with just one month to go until Round 1.
Reigning champions Geelong Cougars have signed their 2019 Best and Fairest and VNL’s 2019 MVP Julia Woolley, whose experience over her netball career will be a great asset to their goal circle. At the other end of the court will be Brooke Allan. Despite having yet to make her SSN debut, the Magpies training partner has a great skill of holding her own, and a talent to create pressure against the shooters in the ring.
Making a return to netball, former Australian Diamonds captain Sharni Layton has been named in the Peninsula Waves squad. Layton’s netball accolades are extensive, with 46 international caps, two gold medals, and ANZ and International Player of the year in 2016 and 2017. Pursuing a career with the Collingwood Magpies AFLW team in 2018, Layton’s football skills may come in handy her with defensive skills, being awarded with AFLW All Australian Ruck in 2020.
The Casey Demons have also signed some notable names in their 2021 squad, including Melbourne Vixens squad members Tayla Honey and Sacha McDonald, along with Magpies training partner Emma Ryde.
Having played with the Vixens during the 2020 season, Honey will provide the Demons with a reliable, agile midcourter, complimented with McDonald as a wing attack or as a shooter.
Ryde’s strong hold has proven her to be a powerhouse under the ring. Having gained valuable court time during the 2020 SSN season, Ryde has had the mentoring of Nat Medhurst and has played alongside Shimona Nelson and Gabrielle Sinclair, giving her a great advantage coming into the season.
Considered the most successful team in the VNL with 14 premierships to their name, the City West Falcons have named Sri Lankan veteran netball player Tharjini Sivalingam on their squad. The 42-year-old is considered the tallest netballer in the world, standing at 206 centimetres. Height like that is going to be extremely beneficial at either end of the court, which is where Sivalingam finds herself.
Others to keep an eye out for throughout the 2021 season consist of Collingwood training partner Nyah Allen who has signed on with North East Blaze, Maggie Lind and Sarah Szcyzkulski from the Falcons and Nat Billings who has become a staple under the post for the Hawks.
Set to begin on 21 April with a clash between the Cougars and the Falcons, it is shaping up to be a great season ahead.
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