Netball Victoria is pleased to announce that Stephanie Puopolo has been appointed as Captain of the Victorian Fury for the 2017 Australian Netball League season.
Puopolo returns to the Fury this season after playing with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship last season.
A member of the Victorian Fury leadership group in 2015, Puopolo’s experience of playing at the highest level, combined with her ability to set high standards at training made her a standout candidate to captain the team.
“Steph aligns herself to our values in that she is consistently striving to be flawless and fierce in all that she does,” said Victorian Fury Head Coach Leesa Gallard.
“She leads by example, has a high work rate at training and in games and sets the expectations for both herself and the team.”
Puopolo is excited to be back in Melbourne and is looking forward to sharing her experiences of playing with the Thunderbirds with her teammates.
“I just had this overwhelming feeling that this is where I need to be here in Melbourne and I am really excited to be back at Vic Fury,” said Puopolo.
“I have obviously already been with them for quite a few years previously but I just feel it is a good fit for me and I feel like I really belong here.”
“I definitely think that I can bring some great experience and I think from training and playing at that next level you really learn about what intensity is at training.”
Elle Bennetts’ will join Puopolo is the leadership group, as Vice-Captain.
The 27-year-old has played a pivotal role in the Victorian Fury’s recent premiership success, featuring in the past four ANL premierships.
Described as the “heart and soul” of the team, Bennetts experience and ability to lead by example with her high work rate at training and in games, will help continue to set the standards for the team this season.
The Victorian Fury will open their Australian Netball League season against the Tasmanian Magpies on Saturday 18 February at Hisense Arena.
The match will be a curtain-raiser for the Melbourne Vixens
