News
Netball South will take the first step towards defending the Beko Netball League title when trials take place in Dunedin this Sunday.
Netball South performance manager Reinga Bloxham said 40 players from throughout Otago and Southland had been invited to trial for the team.
Netball South won the inaugural national title when it toppled Central in a hard-fought final staged in Auckland in June.
“We had a really successful first year in the Beko league. But with winning comes pressure which is why we are starting early to ensure we identify the players we need to work with leading into the competition,” Bloxham said.
“There’s a brilliant mix of youth and experience from throughout our whole zone so I’m really excited to see what emerges from the trial. It’s a great opportunity for them to just put their hand up to be included.”
Selectors will identify an initial squad of 16 to support with a performance programme through to the final trial in February.
Bloxham, who was last week confirmed as head coach of the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, will also select two training partners for the franchise as it prepares to contest the new ANZ Elite Netball League.
“They will be totally immersed in all of our pre-season and have the chance throughout the competition to link with the team,” she said.
“We have a contracted squad of 10 players next season so these training partners will potentially play a vital role as needed, especially given the demands of the draw with Super Sunday and double header fixtures.”
She was impressed with the emphasis Netball South had placed on its performance programme.
“The biggest thing for me is that a clear pathway has now been developed for our players to follow to higher honours. It’s so important for the future of our sport and provides us with a great platform to support our local talent.”
The Beko Netball League trialists are:
- Central Otago: Abby Holden, Pania Watson, Stevie Paine
- Central Southland: Erica Stevens
- Christchurch: Brooke Pope-McCaw **
- Dunedin: Bethany Robertson, Bridget Thayer*, Dani Gray, Eden Millan, Georgia Heffernan, Kate Heffernan, Kiana Pelasio, Laura Moffat, Lucy Heenan*, Madeleine Hunt, Madeline Gill, Mariah Nelson, Olivia Bates, Penny Mouat, Sam Hollows, Sarah Jayne Lind, Sophie Erwood, Sophie Johns, Tarryn Dickson, Zoey Flockton
- Eastern Southland: Ashleigh Smith, Ella Brown, Krishanee Tamou
- Invercargill: Aliyah Dunn, Anna Wells, Grace Earland, Hayley Crofts*, Jenna Kean, Katie Haywood, Molly Wheeley, Ngawai Eyles, Prinita Smyth, Rachael Dawson
- North Otago: Caitlyn Judd, Nicky Wallace
*injured or overseas
**Studying at Otago University in 2017