THE 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Season is only a matter of weeks away, and in anticipation of the new season we here at Rookie Me Central are going to take an in depth look at each of the sides and preview what this year may have in store for them.

In today’s penultimate preview, it is time to take a look at the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Season 2022 was one the Lightning would no doubt rather forget.

Finishing last on the ladder, when things went right for the Lightning they were impressive to watch. However, that did not happen nearly enough times to see the Lightning progress up the ladder.

But the Lightning have had a lot of changes both on and off the court this offseason, so was a lot of change what they needed to reverse their fortunes from last season?

There have been plenty of changes to the Lightning playing squad from last season.

Kate Walsh has retired, while Maddie Hinchliffe has moved down the east coast to join Collingwood.

Injuries have also not been kind to the Lightning this offseason, with both Reilley Batcheldor and Hinchliffe’s sister Tara ruled out of the 2023 season with ACL injuries.

In their place comes into the side a combination of youth and experienced familiar faces.

The team welcomes back with open arms Karla Pretorius, who sat out last season on maternity leave, but after having given birth daughter Kara she is back and will provide valuable defensive experience, especially now that Walsh is no longer around.

Ash Ervin has come in from Queensland’s pathway program, and was previously a training partner with cross state rivals, the Queensland Firebirds.

Charlie Bell has come in to temporarily replace Batcheldor, and at 196cm will certainly provide quite a bit of a height to the Lightning’s shooting circle.

There is still one member of the Lightning team for this season to be named, with Hinchliffe’s temporary replacement due to be announced before the Lightning’s round one clash.

On court is not the only place the Lightning have made changes, with former Fever assistant coach Belinda Reynolds taking over from Kylee Byrne. This is not Reynolds’ first senior gig, after she took charge of the Fever Reserves side at last year’s Australian Netball Championships.

Sunshine Coast Lightning 2023 Squad

Steph Wood

Cara Koenen

Karla Pretorius

Laura Scherian

Mahalia Cassidy

Kadie-Ann Dehaney

Annie Miller

Ash Ervin

Charlie Bell

* One left to be named