The 2023 Australian Netball Championships saw 11 teams from around the country descend on Morayfield Sport and Events Centre on Kabi Kabi Country last week, and the Victorian Fury's four wins from six matches earned them a fifth-place finish.
Fellow Victorians the Collingwood Magpies emerged as champions after an impressive comeback win against the QBE Swifts Academy in the gold medal match, while the Fury's teamwork and resilience was highlighted by a commanding 23-goal win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts in their final match.
Fury’s performances across the competition were peppered with standout debuts, exciting new connections and four strong wins that reflected the depth of emerging talent in the Victorian netball pathway.
THE NUMBERS
Fury goal shooter and Melbourne Vixens training partner Emily Andrew stole the spotlight, 220 goals at an accuracy rate of 93% earning her tournament MVP honours. Her influence in the circle was extraordinary, always providing options for her feeders and using impeccable footwork to gain the best position under the post.
Debutant Zara Walters had an outstanding tournament, leading the competition in goal assists with a tally of 152. The 19-year-old's pace and skill through the midcourt was evident as she amassed over 40 feeds in three of the Fury’s six matches, solidifying her as a rising star.
Goal keeper Maggie Caris showcased her defensive prowess with 10 rebounds and 22 gains across the week, combining smoothly with Fury captain Sharni Lambden to build an expert defensive partnership and offer strong on-court leadership.
RESULTS
Pool Match 1 – Victorian Fury (54) defeated by QBE Swifts Academy (66) – Match Report
Pool Match 2 – Victorian Fury (75) defeated Tasmania Wild (45) – Match Report
Pool Match 3 – Victorian Fury (67) defeated Firebirds Futures (57) – Match Report
Pool Match 4 – Victorian Fury (57) defeated by West Coast Fever Reserves (63) – Match Report
Semi Final – Victorian Fury (53) defeated GIANTS Academy (49) – Match Report
5th Place Playoff – Victorian Fury (68) defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts (45) – Match Report
2023 FURY DEBUTANTS
- Taylah Brown
- Lily Graham
- Tepaea Hobson
- Bella Hodgson
- Sussu Liai
- Georgia Moody
- Charlotte Sexton
- Ruby Shannon
- Zara Walters
