After a disappointing 2019 season, Melbourne University Lightning have spent time in the off season reflecting on the tough year and are working hard to put themselves in a better position come round 1 of the Bupa VNL. Finding themselves in the bottom five across Championship, Division One and 19/U ladders at the end of the season, MUL are eager to get out on the court and prove to the rest of the clubs that they are a competitive team and can fight for a top four finish.
The 19/U side will return with ten existing MUL players, while the squad will welcome four new debutants and four new training partners with a hope to inject new energy and flare into the young and upcoming team. Sienna Thornton has made the switch from Hawks Netball for a change in her netball pathway and will line up alongside Claire Oakley who will represent Victoria in the 17/U state team in April. Sarah Norton and Zanthe Burke will spearhead the 19/U’s this season as Head and Assistant Coach, hoping to secure some well-earned wins in the first few rounds.
An integral part of the MUL strategy this year has been to invest time and commitment into building their coach development within the club. They have appointed former Collingwood Magpies inaugural Head Coach and recently appointed Team Manager of the World Youth Cup 21/U team, Kristy Keppich Birrell as Coach Development Manager. While, former Melbourne Vixen, Queensland Firebird and Fast5 Australian netballer, Elissa Kent will return as head coach of the Championship side, alongside Tegan Hopkins hoping to improve on last year’s season.
Over recent years, MUL have focused on the development of their athletes and the progression of their talent into high performance programs. The strength they have produced is highlighted through the quality and depth of players coming through the club. Open squad members, Maddi Ridley and Maggie Caris are already having a standout year, set to represent Victoria in the 19/U state team and are currently in the 21/U World Youth Cup squad and the Victorian Fury squad. Claudia Mawson will also compete for Victoria in the 19/U state team. Current MUL players and 2019 Fury squad members, Gabi Coffey and Jordan Cransberg are again working hard for selection this year and Kelsey Rainbow is training with the Tasmanian Magpies (ANL). Former Fury captain, Fiona Themann (nee Fowler) has returned to the club from pregnancy, hoping her experience with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Scottish national team will benefit the team’s performance and development.
With a star-studded bank of players in the open squads, 17 players will return to the Lightning, with only nine new debutants and newcomer Katie Loader who has made the transition from Boroondara Express. Jocelyn Kassis and Karen Meredith will take the reins of Division One, hoping to kick-start their season in the early rounds and make their mark on the competition.
The Melbourne University Lightning will tackle a fierce City West Falcons in round 1 of the Bupa VNL on Wednesday 25 March at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
