WHEN the ANZ Premiership returns for 2019, it will have lured long time Thunderbirds training partner Charlee Hodges. The 21 year-old shooter is set to journey across the ditch for an opportunity to play with the Northern Stars who are littered with big names across the court.
With some seriously impressive speed and an insatiable hunger for success, the promising young shooter has been one of the more exciting players produced by South Australian netball in recent years; even stepping comfortably into the shoes of Sasha Glasgow as a temporary replacement player during last year’s Suncorp Super Netball competition.
Despite the unfortunate performance of the Adelaide Thunderbirds to date, Hodges was a rare light in the darkness; demonstrating consistent improvement and a great attitude throughout her time with the team.
Leaving behind the pink and white for new pastures, Hodges is set to pull on the purple dress for New Zealand’s youngest team. With a style of shooting that plays right to the strengths of Head Coach Kiri Wills and some serious on-court experience to guide the ship, in the form of fellow Thunderbird alumni Leana De Bruin and several Silver Ferns, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for this young Australian talent to continue her development.
Primarily set to run as the Northern Stars’ goal attack alongside Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson (who chalked up a healthy 567 goals over her 15 games last season) and the very experienced Ellen Halpenny, Hodges even more depth and flexibility to the shooting circle.
While on paper there is plenty to love about this offensive line up, filled with both youth and experience the midcourt connection is also imperative with the likes of Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Temepara Bailey set to control the centre third for the Northern Stars. In her new role as assistant coach and player, Bailey will have her work cut out for her but the veteran is not afraid of hard work making her a key cog in the Stars line-up.
Charlee Hodges has certainly found a good place to launch her career as a full-time netballer. No matter what the season ahead might have in store, there are plenty of reasons to watch this space.
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