ANOTHER Melbourne Vixens player has made the move up north to the Queensland Firebirds with Lara Dunkley set to take the court as a replacement player for Mahalia Cassidy. The talented midcourter will provide plenty of excitement for the Firebirds with her attacking and defensive pressure able to cover the court with ease and consistently provide an option. Dunkley can switch between wing attack, wing defence and centre highlighting her versatility for the Firebirds playing with the likes of emerging speedster Jemma Mi Mi and Gabi Simpson through the middle third.

Despite not getting a wealth of court time during 2019 with the Vixens, Dunkley has shown that she can have an impact when given the chance. Paired with the likes of Australian Diamonds goal attack Gretel Tippett and Jamaican shooting machine Romelda Aiken, Dunkley could prove to be the missing piece in the attacking end for the Firebirds and will be hoping to have a profound impact on court with her precision passing and quick feet.

Dunkley is not the only Vixen to take the plunge with South African Ine-Mari Venter also pulling on the purple dress in 2020 while Rudi Ellis has also jumped ship after spending time with the Vixens Australian Netball League team – Victoria Fury.

Still in the infancy of her netball career, the 24-year-old captained Vic Fury in 2018 highlighting her strong leadership skills and netball nous. Surrounded by the likes of Renae Ingles, Liz Watson and Kate Moloney during her time with the Vixens, Dunkley will have plenty to offer for the developing Firebirds midcourt.

Firebirds coach, Roselee Jencke is excited about having Dunkley on the court and what she can bring to the team.

“Having the flexibility to use Lara across three positions is beneficial and will give us added advantages when it comes to match-ups and opposition strengths,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how all these athletes work together. “It’s going to be an exciting season.”