Netball Victoria is thrilled to announce the 2023 Victorian Fury team, showcasing a remarkable blend of youth and talent that highlights the exceptional depth within the Netball Victoria pathway.
With a host of new faces set to join four Melbourne Vixens squad members, the team are poised to make an impact at this year’s Australian Netball Championships (ANC).
With the majority of selected athletes younger than 23 years of age, the 2023 Victorian Fury team exemplifies the incredible emerging talent from Netball Victoria's development programs, and an exciting future for high performance in the state.
Returning to represent Victoria at the ANC are Melbourne Vixens training partners Gabby Coffey, Emily Andrew, Maggie Caris and Sharni Lambden, alongside 2022 team member Claudia Mawson.
Their collective experience at the elite Super Netball level will undoubtedly be invaluable to the Fury squad. Lambden and Coffey made their debuts for the Vixens in 2022 and 2023 respectively, and bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team.
Joining the Fury for the first time are Sussu Liai, Zara Walters and Taylah Brown, all of whom have successfully navigated the Netball Victoria pathway and delivered impressive performances in the Victorian Netball League.
Three athletes have earned direct selection following their outstanding performances at the National Netball Championships (NNC) in Darwin earlier this year.
Lily Graham's remarkable accuracy and composure under the post will combine with Emily Andrew to create a formidable attacking line, while Ruby Shannon will join forces with Taylah Brown and Zara Walters in the midcourt.
Charlotte Sexton's rapid rise through the pathway has been nothing short of exceptional. Her selection in the 19U State team and debut season in the VNL with City West Falcons, both achieved this year, speak volumes about her remarkable potential.
Alongside Melbourne Vixens squad members and fellow defenders Maggie Caris and Gabby Coffey, Fury head coach Di Honey will have a wealth of defensive combinations at her disposal.
Five of the selected players also hail from regional Victoria; Maggie Caris (Quantong), Charlotte Sexton (Bendigo), Claudia Mawson (Echuca), Zara Walters (Colac), and Taylah Brown (Leongatha).
"The 2023 Victorian Fury team is testament to the depth of talent in the Netball Victoria pathway, and to the strength of the development programs in identifying and nurturing emerging athletes," said Megan Simpson, General Manager Vixens, Performance and Pathways.
"We are dedicated to supporting the long-term success of our emerging athletes, and this team announcement showcases the incredible potential of Victoria’s netball future."
Further information about the Victorian Fury assistant coaches and this year's Australian Netball Championships will be announced in due course.
Netball Victoria congratulates the following athletes on their selection:
Team:
Emily Andrew – Wilson Storage Southern Saints/Melbourne Vixens
Taylah Brown – Boroondara Express
Maggie Caris – Melbourne University Lightning/Melbourne Vixens
Gabrielle Coffey – Melbourne University Lightning/Melbourne Vixens
Lily Graham – Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Sharni Lambden – Casey Demons/Melbourne Vixens
Sussu Liai – Peninsula Waves
Claudia Mawson – Melbourne University Lightning
Georgia Moody – North East Blaze
Charlotte Sexton – City West Falcons
Ruby Shannon – North East Blaze
Zara Walters – Geelong Cougars
Reserve Players:
Isabelle Hodgson - Boroondara Express
Charli Nicol – City West Falcons
Tara Watson – North East Blaze