STILL a couple of months out from the opening round of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN), West Coast Fever and Collingwood have finalised their lists with the training partners announced. A couple of familiar faces are set to suit up for their respective sides heading into the 2021 season while some young up and coming stars have been given the opportunity to further hone their skills alongside some of the best in the business.

After trekking to the United Kingdom as part of the Leeds Rhinos, Donnell Wallam has earned herself a spot amongst the Fever training partners. Wallam burst onto the scene last year in a practice game against the Fever and since has taken her game to a whole other level in the Vitality Netball Superleague despite being sidelined with a broken arm. The goal shooter, uses her added centimetres to have an influence at the post and further exposure to the elite environment will only enhance her skillset and endurance.

A regular fixture in the green and black, Shannon Eagland is no longer apart of the main 12-player squad but instead finds herself in the training squad. A talented defender with plenty of experience, Eagland will provide that element of stability down back while also boasting a high amount of flexibility to swing between wing defence, goal defence and goal keeper.

In terms of youngsters, Courtney Kruta is once again amongst the mix with the zippy midcourter making her debut last year and using her dynamic movement to have an impact. Still a relatively raw prospect, Kruta is a silky mover that can cover the court within the blink of an eye. The final position goes to Australian Under-21 representative Sloan Burton with the youngster showcasing plenty of promise. Burton is a highly talented shooter that has plenty of upside and will be eager to make a splash for the Fever this season.

“There’s no doubt that these athletes will bring a strong level of competition into our training environment, and I’m excited to see them not only progress their own games, but also drive the performance of our 10 contracted athletes,” said coach Stacey Marinkovich.

Collingwood’s tried and tested shooting combination of Emma Ryde and Nyah Allen are set to return as training partners for the upcoming season. The duo starred throughout the practice matches working in tandem to create space and most importantly score with relative ease. Allen unfortunately did not get a wealth of court time throughout the 2020 season but showed her potential with her classy movement and drives into the circle often taking centre stage, a feature she will once again be hoping to implement.

Maggie Lind is an exciting prospect that has joined the Magpies this season with the nippy midcourter able to set the court alight with her quick give and go around circle edge. The 27-year-old is not unfamiliar to the black and white, having played for the Pies in the Super Club Championship in 2019 meaning her connections and netball nous will be paramount.

“We’re thrilled to have Nyah and Emma back with us in 2021 after they showed some really strong signs last year,” said newly appointed head coach Nicole Richardson.

“To also have Maggie return in a permanent capacity this season is exciting and she’s going to be a great asset to our midcourt.”