It has been a prolonged pre-season for both the Peninsula Waves netballers and administrators, particularly for the 19 & Under side who have been anticipating a return to the court in order to seek redemption after their Grand Final defeat.
While the club have been working tirelessly to prepare for the season opener this weekend, there is excitement in the air as former Suncorp Super Netball legend and Australian Diamond, Sharni Layton (now Norder) is set to be spotted in the Waves dress this year after announcing her retirement from AFLW. She will be a guiding light for the young guns that have progressed through to the open squads this season and her professional expertise will be highly rewarding.
Amongst those emerging superstars are Lauren Hucker and Sussu Liai who have been promoted from the 19&U team to the Championship division, and newcomers Eloise Crabtree, Mikayla Phillips, Ella Roberton and Jessica Tetley who have worked hard in the junior Waves ranks and are now getting their shot at VNL level in the 19 & Under division. The depth of talent coming through the club is a true testament to their development and training and makes for a promising season ahead.
Waves will welcome back Maddie Morrison after some time away from the game, and Adrienne Harris and Ebony Dolan who were forced on the sidelines over the last 18 months due to ACL injuries and their recoveries. Making the move from Boroondara is Clare Vearing, who will join a well-established Waves open squad, but is set to make her mark with a strong body presence and accurate shooting, adding depth to the goaling circle. Wilson Storage Southern Saints defender, Joanna Wietrzyk has made the transition to Waves to mix up her game and will bring speed and athleticism to the 19 & Under side. Alongside Wietrzyk will be local defenders Talia Anderson and Charlotte Sengstock from Rye and Mornington who have respectively shown huge potential and will be a catalyst for other local players coming through the pathway.
In season 2021, Waves will again recognise the incredible contribution of three Life Members – Shelley Haynes, Chris Vickery and Maxine Wauchope. Their support has not gone unnoticed around their development pathway sessions and their presence has been influential both on and off the court for their young talent. The 2020 coaching team will return, with the addition of 2015 Waves coach, Yvonne Porter who will step in as Division One Assistant Coach. Porter’s energy and level of netball knowledge has already made an impact on the athletes ahead of round 1.
While it has been a long time coming for the Waves, it will be a memorable occasion as they step out on court for the first time since the COVID-19 disruption. They will head to Casey Stadium tomorrow night to battle with the Casey Demons in Cranbourne. Games will start from 6.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
