Written by Amelia Barnes
Consistency will be key for Casey Demons in 2025 following a ninth-place finish to their VNL teams last season.
The Championship midcourters in particular will need to step up following the departure of former Melbourne Vixen Tayla Honey (to Western Warriors), and the club’s longtime player Sharni Lambden who has earned her first Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) contract.
A rejigged coaching panel will lead the way, headlined by former Australian Diamond Erin Bell turned Championship division coach.
Casey Demons will host home games at Casey Stadium in Rounds 2, 5, and 11.
Championship athletes
Casey Demon’s Championship team has big shoes to fill in 2025 in the absence of Sharni Lambden who has signed with the NSW Swifts in SSN.
“Sharni has been part of the Casey Netball pathway from the 11&Under representative team to the Championship VNL team,” said Casey Demons administrator Rebekah Bogos.
“To see her rewarded with an SSN contract is testament to her resilience… There are many people who have supported her along her journey, and they will all be cheering her on at Swifts in 2025.”
The Championship will also be without former Melbourne Vixen Tayla Honey who has moved to Western Warriors.
These departures provide an opportunity for Casey Demons’ youngsters to step up.
The youngest of them all is teenager Piuti Laban who has come through the Demons pathway since 11&U to now reach their Championship team and the 19/U state team.
Bogos is looking forward to seeing what the smart and composed goaler can do permanently at this level after debuting with the team last year. She said, “Piuti is humble on and off the court and has a bright future ahead of her.”
Laban joins one of the most experienced shooting circles in the competition headlined by Emma Ryde (formerly of Melbourne Vixens, Collingwood Magpies and Adelaide Thunderbirds), and previous Melbourne Vixens squad member Sacha McDonald.
“Sacha McDonald leads from the front, on and off the court,” said Bogos. “Her training is always at a high standard, and she is a natural leader when guiding this young group.”
Goal attack specialist Sinead Lumsden has also re-signed. A long bomb specialist, Lumsden provides a point of difference and the ability to perform in clutch moments.
Midcourters Ashleigh Gill and Sarah McCabe will lead the midcourt in their second year in the Demons’ Championship team.
Ashley Morris makes a return to VNL after a year off. “She is an energetic midcourter who offers height and another option at C/WD,” said Bogos.
The midcourt will be bolstered by Georgie Whittle, who has come across from Southern Saints, and can play across midcourt and defence.
Bogos anticipates a big season from Gabrielle Dwyer, who continued to build throughout 2024 after returning from a knee injury. “She has settled in at Demons and will be a leader in defence in 2025,” said Bogos.
Dwyer will team up again with Stephanie McNay and connect with new player Ella Rees who officially moves up from the club’s 23&Under side.
“She's a young defender who had some court time with Championship in 2024,” said Bogos. “Ella is like a sponge, lapping up all opportunities to learn.”
23&Under athletes
A host of fresh faces have joined Casey’s 23&Under team who are focusing on improving their concentration to close out games.
Several have been elevated from Casey’s Development teams, starting with shooter Grace Ioelu who had a taste of VNL in 2023 playing for Southern Saints. “She’s a reliable goaler who brings strength and playmaking skills to the squad,” said Bogos.
Dedicated goaler Lily Kelly also moves up to the 23&Under side.” She is a very accurate goaler who is the poster girl for commitment,” said Bogos. “Lily travels from Jindera, NSW — a seven hour round trip — to all Demons trainings and games.”
Another elevated Casey Demons Development player, Ruby Dwyer can play across goals and midcourt as required. “She’s a clear communicator, with strong leadership skills who leads from the front,” said Bogos.
Millie Barrientos returns to Casey Demons after an injury riddled 2024. “She’s a versatile goaler who moves in sync with her goaling partners,” said Bogos.
Georgia Nyssen is a new shooting recruit who demonstrates maturity and a thoughtful approach to the game.
These young shooters will join the calm and strong Holly Stephens who also plays in Victoria’s First Nations Team.
“Holly showed signs of her leadership skills in the inaugural year of the 23&Under VNL competition,” said Bogos. “She continues to listen and develop her craft.”
At the other end of the court, Victoria Downward and Gemma Meadley have both been brought up from Casey Demons’ Development team.
Bogos described Downward as a silky defender who loves to hunt the long intercept.
Meadley travels from Leongatha for all training sessions and games. Her dedication is paying off, having made the 2025 17/U state team.
Strong rebounder Ashlee Hyde, who was vice captain of the inaugural Victorian First Nations team, returns to Casey Demons after a couple of seasons away. “She is a mature leader who is keen to grow as a defender,” said Bogos.
Among the re-signed defenders is Tonga Under-21 squad member Lupe Fonua who was the team’s runner up most valuable player in 2024.
Ellie Brasser is also back for another season following a strong 2024 season rebounding from injury.
A well-connected midcourt will steer this young team, including Mikayla Phillips who returns to the court after an ACL injury in Round One of the 2024 VNL season. Bogos said Phillips is looking physically and mentally stronger than ever.
Longtime Casey player Olivia Hamilton is a natural leader and a sponge for learning.
Mollie Helmot has re-signed for her second year with the team, and Jessie Prvulj (WA/C) officially signs after getting a taste of the competition in 2024.
Coaches
Steve Murray remains Casey Demons’ head coach, bringing his wealth of experience to support the club’s two VNL teams.
A calm and measured leader, Murray's dual role covering both divisions ensures a cohesive and comprehensive approach to Demons’ coaching.
Former Australian Diamond Erin Bell moves into the Championship head coach role.
“Erin brings a wealth of experience from her time as an elite athlete. Her professionalism and organisation have shone through during the pre-season period,” said Bogos.
Building a positive culture is a big part of Bell’s coaching philosophy developed from her time in the Diamonds’ group who founded the ‘sisters in arms’ culture.
“She has been part of Casey Demons since 2019, after she finished her professional career, and we have loved getting to know Erin and seeing her grow away from the court as a coach and as a mum,” said Bogos.
Bell is also a specialist coach for the Adelaide Thunderbirds for 2025. She will divide her time between the two coaching roles and states.
Michelle Mashado has been elevated from the club’s pathways coach to 23&Under head coach. She was an assistant VNL role at Peninsula Waves before joining Casey Demons coaching staff in 2019.
“Michelle has an appreciation for the pathway journey, working with young netballers from junior squad level to seniors,” said Bogos.
“Her strength is the camaraderie and team culture she creates while building the confidence of her athletes and their belief in one another.”
Casey Demons 2025 Squads
Championship
Ashley Morris
Ashleigh Gill
Ella Rees
Emma Ryde
Gabrielle Dwyer
Georgia Vines
Georgie Whittle
Piuti Laban
Sacha McDonald
Sarah McCabe
Sinead Lumsden
Stephanie McNay
Head coach: Steve Murray
Championship head coach: Erin Bell
23&Under
Ashlee Hyde
Ellie Brasser
Gemma Meadley
Georgia Nyssen
Grace Ioelu
Holly Stephens
Jessie Prvulj
Lily Kelly
Lupe Fonua
Mikayla Phillips
Millie Barrientos
Mollie Helmot
Olivia Hamilton
Ruby Dwyer
Victoria Downward
Head coach: Steve Murray
23&Under head coach: Michelle Mashado
vic.netball.com.au/casey-demons
caseynetball.com
@caseydemonsvnl
