Written by Amelia Barnes
Melbourne University Lightning has established two formidable squads for their 2024 VNL season: one stacked with past and present Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) and Victorian Fury squad members, and the other with up-and-coming talent.
After back-to-back finals appearances but no premiership, Lightning’s Championship team has a 2024 grand final win firmly in their sights.
Many of Lightning’s 19&Under premiership-winning athletes have been retained, plus some star Division 1 talent, to make up the club’s first 23&Under side.
Championship Athletes
There are several familiar faces in the Lightning’s Championship team which boasts some of the most established partnerships in the competition.
Among them is the defensive combination of Melbourne Vixens training partners Gabby Coffey (captain) and Maggie Caris, who team up for their fourth season playing together.
Both have professional sporting experience, with Coffey making her Vixens debut as a temporary replacement player in 2023, and Caris as a former Melbourne Demon in the AFLW.
This defensive duo will be joined by Grace Markovic, who returns for her second Championship season after being named the 19/Under Victorian State team captain in 2023.
Tepaea Hobson has been elevated from the former 19&Under division after helping lead the team to a VNL premiership. Hobson had a breakout season in 2023 that saw her earn a spot in the VNL 19&U Team of the Year and a Victorian Fury call up.
Two other players who have been elevated are Lavinia Fox (WA/GA/GS) and Shannon Blackman (WD/C/WA), both from Division 1. Fox is a versatile and dedicated player who’s been with the club since 2019, making the drive from Ballarat to training each week.
Blackman is originally from England and had an outstanding 2023 season, recognised in the VNL Division 1 Team of the Year.
These up-and-coming midcourters will be well supported by Shae Bolton-Brown, who has extensive experience playing at the top level across the Commonwealth Bank Trophy with the Melbourne Kestrels, the West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship, and Collingwood Magpies in SSN.
In addition to playing at VNL Championship level, Bolton-Brown will also act as a specialist coach for Lightning, while working behind the scenes in netball as the Mavericks’ general manager.
Kelsie Rainbow is another big name who’ll once again steer the Lightning midcourt. Rainbow was previously a Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Vixens training partner who consistently performs with her speed and court smarts.
Also returning to Lightning is young gun and Melbourne University student Casey Dunstan (C/WA). “She is a fast and athletic pocket rocket,” said club administrator John Tran. “She brings athleticism throughout the court and accurate feeds into the circle. She will be someone to look out for throughout the season as she will create turnovers and take interceptions that you would not see coming.”
Madeline Stewart rejoins the side after taking a year away from VNL in 2023. Stewart can slot into all three defensive positions and has played over 150 games in the VNL to date.
The shooting end likewise features a balance of youth and experience, starting with longtime player Mikaela Vaughan – former NSW Swifts training partner and Victorian Fury athlete.
Former Victorian Fury and Collingwood Magpies ANC representative Ramayer Gourley offers incredible versatility, with the ability to play at both ends of the court. “She will not only bring experience to the side but also depth and impact,” said Tran.
Victorian Fury athlete Claudia Mawson is predicted to have a big season as Lightning's newly appointed vice captain. “Coming off back-to-back seasons where the team made it to the finals but failed to progress further, Claudia is looking to step up this season and help the Championship side to a finals win,” said Tran. Her calming influence and accuracy in the goaling circle will be key to the side’s success.
The shooting circle will be boosted by the arrival of Caitlin Hill (GA/GS) who comes across from North East Blaze's Championship side.
23&Under Athletes
Melbourne University Lightning wasted no time re-signing several players from their 2023 premiership-winning 19&Under team for their first 23&Under side in the newly restructured league.
In the midcourt is Montaya Sardi (WD/C/WA) – an athletic and dominant netballer who can play all three midcourt positions when called upon – plus Madison Brown and Asha Gray who are both fast and zippy C/WAs.
Also in the midcourt are two new recruits: Olivia Jones (WD/C/WA) formerly of Peninsula Waves, and Millie Hogg (C/WA) of Wilson Storage Southern Saints who made the 2023 19&Under Team of the Year.
Holding shooter Kate O’Dwyer and versatile attacker Emma Winfield (GA/WA/C) have also been elevated from Lightning’s former 19&U team based on their 2023 VNL performance and selection in the 19/U Victorian State team.
“This is Emma’s fourth year at the club and she has also made a couple of appearances at Championship level last season. Her ability to play either in goals or in the midcourt will provide the team with great confidence to switch things when needed and provide the team with depth and versatility,” said Tran.
Claire Oakley (GS) and Alex Booker (GA/GS) provide shooting experience coming from Division 1 and the option of another holding or moving shooter respectively.
The team’s leadership group can be found in the defensive end with captain Kirby Elliot and vice captain Charlee Kemp. The duo has an established connection from playing together in Division 1, as well the Gisborne Netball A Grade team in the Bendigo Football Netball League where they won a 2023 premiership.
“Their combination and experience in playing together will be key and strong. They will be alongside Tilly Shepherd (GK/GD) who makes her VNL debut season after an impressive season in our Lightning Bolts Development team,” said Tran.
Dayna Williams will be looking to make an impact when she returns from an ACL injury sustained last year. “She can also goal if required,” said Tran.
Xara Burge (WD) comes back to the club after a year at Boroondara Express to join her sister Eliza Burge (GK/GD) who is a current 17/U Victorian State team member.
Mackenzie Wallace (GK/GD) joins from Wilson Storage Southern Saints and will add a valuable new dynamic.
Coaches
Tegan Hopkins returns to Melbourne University Lightning as head coach and coach of the Championship team. She brings a wealth of experience and was a Victorian Fury apprentice coach in 2023.
“Tegan Hopkins is a creative, knowledgeable, and tenacious coach. She challenges the team every single day to be better athletes and better people,” said Gabby Coffey, Lightning club captain.
“Although she works us hard, she makes a big emphasis on prompting us to reflect on why we play netball. We play for the love of sport and the love for each other and the club. This is the culture Tegan brings as a coach – one that is supportive, challenging, hardworking and passionate”
After leading the 19&U side to premiership success, Sarah Mylrea has been named the inaugural Melbourne University Lightning 23&U coach. Mylrea is the current Victorian 17/U State team assistant coach and will look to bring the success of previous seasons to 2024.
“I am really excited and looking forward to my first season with Sarah as my head coach after seeing how much success she has had with our 19&U team,” said 23&Under captain Kirby Elliot.
“I think Sarah coaches with honesty. She will tell you what’s working or what’s not and how to correct it constructively to overall benefit the team and our dynamic. She also has the ability to honestly tell you about your strengths and how to maximise it.
“The honest feedback is what I think the team needs and looks for in order to maximise our success this season.”
Mylrea will join Hopkins as the assistant coach of the Championship side and Stephanie Norton (SSV Victorian assistant coach) will sit on the bench next to Mylrea as the 23&Under assistant coach.
Shae Bolton-Brown will also act as a specialist coach and will provide the club with leadership sessions.
Zanthe Burke, Jenni Lewis, and Cathleen Cram will head the Lightning Futures and Bolts Development program.
Melbourne University Lightning 2024 Squads
Championship
Caitlin Hill
Casey Dunstan
Claudia Mawson
Gabrielle Coffey
Grace Markovic
Kelsie Rainbow
Lavinia Fox
Madeline Stewart
Maggie Caris
Mikaela Vaughan
Ramayer Gourley
Shae Bolton-Brown
Shannon Blackman
Tepaea Hobson
Head coach: Tegan Hopkins
23&Under
Alex Booker
Asha Gray
Charlee Kemp
Claire Oakley
Dayna Williams
Eliza Burge
Emma Winfield
Kate O'Dwyer
Kirby Elliot
Mackenzie Wallace
Madison Brown
Millie Hogg
Montaya Sardi
Olivia Jones
Tilly Shepherd
Xara Burge
Head coach: Sarah Mylrea
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View the 2024 VNL fixture
