Arguably the most talented Wing Defence outside of the ANZ Championship, Elle Bennetts recently won her fourth Australian Netball League premiership at the Victorian Fury after they defeated the NNSW Waratahs.
The June 26 victory capped off a special achievement for Bennetts, who was the only player to feature in all four premierships from 2013-2016.
When reflecting on the team’s success, Bennetts recalls many great memories.
“Each year has been as special and as unique as each other, and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent the Victoria Fury,” She reflected.
“In the first one we came back in the semi-final from 13 or 14 goals down to get into the Grand Final, so that was the hardest one to win. Last year was pretty special as it was a tough slog and then this year I felt we were underdogs with such an inexperienced team.”
During her four years at the Fury, the 26-year-old has played under the direction of Head Coaches Stacey West, Kristy Keppich-Birrell and most recently Cathy Fellows.
Her involvement in Victoria’s most successful team has seen Bennetts develop her game both on and off the court.
“Being exposed and having the opportunity to play under different coaching styles has definitely helped me develop as a player and a leader,” Bennetts said.
Her success on the court and development as a player has only fuelled her desire to play at a higher level in the future.
“From just playing in the Fury the past four years it has really made me realise that I love playing netball and I aspire to play in the highest competition that I can.”
Off the court, Bennetts teaches Physical Education and Health to secondary students at Star of the Sea College, and is the Head Coach at the Haileybury College.
“I love working with kids and helping them develop, it is very different to being on court but that is something that I am still developing and working on.”
“I would love to coach in the future but for now I would much rather be on court.”
