The North East Blaze will return to round 1 of the Bupa VNL in high spirits after walking away Division One premiers last year. Their dominant finals campaign has sparked newfound motivation within the club with a goal to have three Blaze teams in the finals.
The morale at the Blaze camp seems to set the benchmark in the league, with 28 players sticking with the black, orange and pink dress from 2019, while eight new debutants and training partners have signed on across the club.
After falling short in the semi-finals to the Casey Demons, the Championship side will be boosted by Steph McNay, who was named in the Championship Team of the Year last year playing under the Wilson Storage Southern Saints. The Blaze midcourt will again see the dynamic Elle McDonald, who has just signed on as a Melbourne Vixens training partner, complementing her remarkable 2019 year as a Victorian Fury premiership player.
Long standing Blaze athletes, Tayissa Coppinger and Kaitlyn Black will continue to take control of the defence end this season, while Ty will be rewarded for her commitment and contribution to the club when she reaches 200 games in the back end of the season. Kate Upton will return as head coach, while juggling her duties as the Collingwood Magpies Assistant Coach. Having been a former DC Force player and competing within the VNL since its inception, Kate brings a wealth of experience, passion and personality to the club. Championship coach, Kelli Zealley’s love for the game is evident as she will head into the 2020 season balancing the role alongside her duties as head coach at Banyule and Rosanna. Kelli has also been instrumental in developing Blaze’s partnership with Latrobe University over the years and will continue to engage with Latrobe over future opportunities.
Head coach, Kate Upton is feeling positive about the season to come and is proud of the way Blaze finished off the season last year.
“We really want to provide an opportunity for players to compete at a higher level and develop them as a person on and off the court,” Upton said.
“Something we’re really working on this year is implementing the rolling subs rule in Championship and look to utilise it in a way that works best for our structures.”
After taking a year off, Rebecca Colwell has made her way back to Blaze’s Division One side, providing a central spot in the goal circle. Renowned for her accuracy and proficiency after taking out the Hot Shot award in 2017 and 2018 as well as the 2018 Most Valuable Player, Rebecca will be a great asset to the team. Proving she is a forced to be reckoned with on and off the court, Division One coach and Championship player Ella Bayliss will continue to manage both duties in 2020. Having played since the VNL’s inaugural year, Ella will reach 100 games early throughout the season, further adding to her notorious netball career.
Current Bendigo 19/Under state team member, Ruby Turner will be eager to get out on the court with the Blaze athletes, as they look to take one step closer to the top four after falling to seventh position in 2019. Soon-to-be 50 gamer, Mia Sudomirski, will lead by example in the 19/Under side with the guidance of Sarah Hogan as coach who has valuable experience as the 15/Under School Sport Victoria Coach.
Round 1 of the Bupa VNL will see the North East Blaze tackle the Geelong Cougars at Christian College on Saturday 28 March. The Championship side will be hoping to kick start the season against the reigning premiers, while Division One will look to retain their winning streak and the 19/Under side will be working hard to get a win on the board.
