The Peninsula Waves will look to cause a ripple early in the new season, after a breakthrough year for the 19/U side who you made it to the grand final but fell short by 12 goals in the end to the City West Falcons.
The Championship and Division One sides will be hoping their preseason efforts are rewarded in their first clash against the Casey Demons after finishing seventh and eighth on the ladder respectively.
Although an impressive 2019 season was showcased by the 19/U side, seven new debutants will represent the new-look Waves team, hoping to make their mark against some of Victoria’s best athletes. Hollie Peterson, Abby Williams, Sussu Liai and Lauren Hucker return to the team to take it one step further in 2020.
Waves’ VNL Administrator, Kelly Andrews is pleased with the new prospects who have joined the club in the offseason and is positive the players can continue their impressive form from their 2019 finals campaign.
“We congratulate Joyce Oyay, Nadeel Deng and Zealand Rakei on taking the next step after stellar seasons with the Peninsula Elite Netball development squads at Waverley,” Andrews said.
“We’re excited to welcome Helen-Margaret Ashin over from Blaze and have three exciting VNL and Peninsula debutants; Olivia Wilkinson, Matilda Cook and Eryn Stocker.”
Presenting a united front and the determination to work hard and build on existing relationships, the Waves open squads have remained almost unchanged. Seven players will return to the Division One side and will be bolstered by Georgia Hernan, Sienna Kelly and Abuk Kenyang who have been elevated after impressive 19/U seasons. After years as a VNL training partner and a couple of breakthrough Division One games in 2019, Madelina Nyoul has fought her way towards a permanent position in the side.
The Waves Championship side have retained five of their 2019 team members, with Kate Kelly-Oman, Stacie Gardiner, Mardi Cunningham, Tara Cecil and Gabby Dwyer hanging out for a successful season.
“After getting a taste of Champ last year, Keighley Starret (Div One 2019) and Ash Barnett (19/U 2019) have been rewarded with Championship selection this year.”
Jasmin Mackie will also get her chance to step up on the big stage after a phenomenal year under the ring in the 19/U side. Not only did she play in her first VNL season, she was also awarded as her division’s 2019 Hot Shot winner and played a pivotal role in the side that saw the team make the grand final.
Former Collingwood Magpies and Australia Diamond, Sharni Layton, will be spotted in the Waves dress this season after a year off and is eager to be competitive again.
“We’re really excited to see Sharni return to the club and we also welcome Michelle Williams, Rhea Dixon, Megan Craig and Chloe Coffin into the side.”
The Peninsula Waves will head back to the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday 25 March for round 1 of the Bupa VNL where they will battle the up and coming Casey Demons.
