After mixed results in last year’s season, Boroondara Express are only looking ahead, with the injection of positive new debutants and the development of their existing team lists in the off season.
Boroondara’s Division One side will be out to make amends in round 1 of the Bupa VNL, after suffering a narrow six goal loss to the North East Blaze in the Grand Final. With the two teams not set to meet until round 7, Boroondara will look to capitalise on the early rounds before they battle the reigning premiers. The open squads remain mostly unchanged, with only five debutants set to make their mark on Boroondara this season.
Boroondara have a developed a strong loyal culture within their club, which is represented by the local Boroondara Netball Association players who have come through their junior ranks and ‘Pathway to the Top’ program, with seven players returning in 2020. Long-term players Zali Anderson, Taylah Brown and Tegan Stephenson will reach 50 games this season, and are eligible to play 19/U yet have stepped up to the competitive open squads.
Paving the way for success through the pathway, Boroondara is home to five Victorian Fury squad members and four 19/U state team members; Tegan Stephenson, Hannah Mundy, Uneeq Palavi and Ruby Barkmeyer. Current players Eleanor Leydin will train with Fury and Taylah Brown will represent Victoria. Young goaler, Ruby Barkmeyer has been elevated as a Melbourne Vixens squad member and will continue to be an asset to the Boroondara Championship side as they look to bounce back after finishing ninth in 2019.
Anna Donnelly has made the move from Wilson Storage Southern Saints, while Sophie Shoebridge transitioned from the Geelong Cougars and Alahria Smith from the City West Falcons, all hoping to introduce a new energy into the group. Kathleen Knott (2009-2011 player) has returned to Boroondara as Championship Coach alongside newcomer Danni Taylor. Division One will see a new coaching duo in Lauren Nardelli and Monica Clarke who will be just as motivated as the players to get them across the line in finals this year.
Having finished the 2019 season in eighth position, Boroondara 19/U’s have switched their focus in the pre-season, eyeing off new recruits and providing the up and coming athletes of the Netball Victoria pathway with an opportunity to play at a higher level. The 19/U side welcome nine new debutants for Boroondara, alongside the six players who will remain in the blue dress for 2020.
Current players Casey Dunstan and Milla McLean will be hoping for a better season and will kick-off their year as 17/U state players at the National Championships. Eliza Allen and Yvonne Porter will take the reins of the 19/U’s, alongside assistant coach Penny Forrest and local BNA team personnel, Kirrily Zimmerman and Grant Kennerley will be the bench officials for the season. There is currently a great sense of camaraderie amongst the essentially new coaching group under the strong leadership of Coach Director Wendy Jacobson and the athletes are well and truly ready for the season to begin.
Boroondara Express will take on Hawks Netball in round 1 on Wednesday 25 March at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
