After a bittersweet inaugural season in 2019, the Casey Demons are eager to jump into the new year with exciting new prospects and refreshing change ups to the coaching line up and team lists.
In a year that saw the Championship side make themselves known after landing a Grand Final place and edging their name in the club’s history, Casey also saw their Division One and 19 & Under sides struggle to get a win on the board. This season they will look to continue their fighting spirit, with hopes to go one step further in Championship, and see the Division One and 19 & Under sides be competitive each week and start season 2020 off well.
Casey’s Championship side will again consist of a star-studded line-up, with former Australian Diamond, Erin Bell re-joining for 2020. It seems their goaling circle will be one to beat, with Melbourne Vixens training partner, Victorian Fury premiership player and 21/U Australian player, Sacha McDonald signing on. Transitioning from Peninsula Waves, Sacha stems from a sporting family with her brothers Tom and Oscar both playing for the Melbourne Football Club.
Casey’s goaling stalwart Emma Ryde will return to the Demons, alongside former junior Casey Netball Association representative Sharni Lambden who has transitioned from Peninsula Waves. Sharni joined the Collingwood Magpies as a training partner in 2017 and cemented her name in the Tasmanian Magpies’ midcourt during the Australian Netball League season. Victorian Fury premiership player, Emma Ryde has also made the switch to Collingwood as an SSN training partner and will be motivated more than ever to gain a Casey gold medal. The defence end will be held together by Victorian Fury squad member Demi Woodlock and Karli Foster and new Blaze recruit Brianna Hipwell, while the midcourt will be strengthened by new signing Rylee Nelson from Blaze and Ruby Farthing from Ariels.
Head Coach Robynn Pym returns to lead the Casey Demons coaching team and they welcome Ben Dixon, Brittney Pym and Chloey Dodds who have joined for 2020. To assist with injury prevention and performance enhancement, Rod Blackbourn and the Strength and Conditioning Team at AXIS Performance are working with Casey this season.
Casey’s 19 & Under goaler, Jade O’Shannessy, who finished top three in the Hot Shot Award at the VNL Awards Night will be hoping to prove herself in Division One this season after a stand-out year. The 19 & under side will have a new look to it, with six new players jumping on board and making their VNL debut. Midcourter Liv Hamilton and defender Bethany Cross have made the move from Boroondara Express and midcourter Jasmine Daniels has transitioned from Peninsula Waves to boost the side’s hopes of a positive year.
To officially celebrate the beginning of the 2020 season, Casey are holding their Season Launch on Friday 13 March at Casey Fields. They will then look to Round 1 when they face Peninsula Waves at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday 25 March.
