DESPITE still being in the off-season of the Suncorp Super Netball there have been a number of changes made to squads with new faces in the form of training partners signing with clubs. Collingwood is yet to release its training partners for the upcoming season as are West Coast Fever.

Adelaide Thunderbirds

Both Tayla Williams and Chelsea Blackman will be back in the pink dress for 2021 with the duo signing on as training partners. Williams proved to be a real livewire when on court throughout the 2020 season with her flair and speed on full display. A familiar name in Tyler Orr has also secured a spot on the list with the talented midcourter making a splash for Collingwood last year, credit to her dynamic movement, quick feet through the centre and ability to adapt on the fly. Young up-and-coming stars Molly Watson and Lucy Austin finalise the list with all five players selected in the Australian Under 21 squad, reflecting the amount of raw potential the Thunderbirds boast this season. Austin is a commanding presence under the post thanks to her 193cm stature while Watson has proven to be a handy defender.

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GIANTS Netball

The GIANTS are steadily building with three out of the four training partners gearing up for a consecutive season at the club. Shooter Matisse Letherbarrow is a strong candidate under the post credit to her holds and use of angles inside the goal circle while Claire Iongi is another one to watch out for given her tenacity in the defensive circle to swat away balls and create turnover opportunities. Latika Tombs is also returning to the fold for her third season with the midcourter boasting a wealth of versatility able to seamlessly transition through the three positions. The final place went to newcomer Annie Miller who possesses plenty of speed and quick thinking to dart around the court in either centre or wing attack. Her acquisition was an exciting one for head coach Julie Fitzgerald.

“It truly is an exciting time for both us and them. It’s their next step in attempt to pursue their dreams of being an elite netballer and, for us, it’s another step in shaping the future of our GIANTS Netball team, “I’m really looking forward to watching Annie make the most of the opportunity in this elevated environment. She’s a very athletic and hard-working player who has always had a dominant presence on the court,” Fitzgerald said.

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Melbourne Vixens

Reigning premiers, Melbourne Vixens have bolstered their stocks over the off season having retained the services of developing midcourter Tayla Honey despite dropping down to a training partner. She is not alone when it comes to familiarity with exciting goaler Sacha McDonald also continuing her run with the club alongside Jordan Cransberg. Despite not getting any court time McDonald spent a wealth of time up in the Queensland hub learning off the likes of the now retired Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip.

“For me, I learnt a lot about learning how to cope with challenges and living with other people and all the skills we’re faced with when we’re not at home in a regular season,” McDonald said. “I learnt plenty of stuff on court, just experiencing training and match day and what we wouldn’t get back in Victoria in other years. I think off court was more important; we learnt a lot about ourselves.

Hannah Mundy is the other player to earn a call-up for her inaugural season with the Vixens rewarded for her hard work through the centre and has also been named in the Under 21 Australian side.

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NSW Swifts

The Swifts have a couple of new faces joining the club for the upcoming season with Northern Mystics defender Emily Burgess making the switch back to Australia. She was a key contributor with the Mystics throughout her time in the ANZ Premiership and offers plenty of hands over pressure and intensity. Burgess covers the court well and is never far from the action, often looking to attack any high looping pass. Olivia Coleman is also back for another season with the Swifts while Teigan O’Shannassy, Leilani Rohweder and Kelly Singleton round out the list with the latter making her debut throughout the 2020 season. Briony Akle is preparing for another big season, after making it to finals but unable to make it past the first round.

“From a defensive point of view I’m very excited to see how Olivia can grow and learn from the likes of Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner and Lauren Moore,” Akle said. “Not only that, she will also have another Super Netball player to train alongside in Teigan O’Shannassy. And when you get to pit yourself against the likes of Sam Wallace and Helen Housby, there aren’t many tougher tests.”

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Sunshine Coast Lightning

Sister of Tara Hinchliffe and a member of the Queensland Firebirds, Maddie has jumped ship joining the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the upcoming 2021 season. A defensive minded midcourter, Hinchliffe brings plenty of energy, skill and dynamism to the midcourt and will be a great addition to the squad able to seamlessly transition from wing defence to centre with great ease. Coach Kylee Byrne was thrilled with the acquisition having coached her previously.

“She has the netball smarts and desire to really excel this year in the Lightning environment and we couldn’t be happier with how she has started season 2021,” she said.

“You know with Maddie that she will do the work and not leave any stone unturned in preparation for her own performance, so now the exciting part of what we can add to her game and how she can add to our Lightning squad comes into play.

Hinchliffe will join the likes of familiar faces Binnian Hunt, Annie Lawrie and Sienna Allen with Hunt the only player to take the court in 2020 with her versatility paramount to the Lightning’s frontend.

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Queensland Firebirds

The Firebirds have also announced their training partners for the 2021 season with Macy Gardner returning to the training partners list after being elevated for 2020. Other players set to return for another big season with the Firebirds is Mia Stower and Hulita Veve with the duo managing SSN court time last year. A key new addition to the squad is Reilley Batcheldor with the young goaler recognised for her potential and impressive skillset named in the Under 21 Australian squad and is a player new head coach, Megan Anderson is excited about seeing progress.

“Reilley is new to the set up but is a fearless competitor who has proven she thrives in big occasions and I am excited to see what she can bring to the group,” Anderson said.

The final other player rounding out the Firebirds squad is Ruby Bakewell-Doran who played an integral role in the HART Sapphire Series for premiers Brisbane North Cougars.