Casey Demons Netball is gearing up for an exciting start to its 2024 Victorian Netball League campaign with the Championship and 23-under teams to take on Geelong at the State Netball Centre on Wednesday 6 March.
During an intense pre-season, Head Coach Steve Murray has been diligently building his Championship squad, making strategic additions to enhance the team’s dynamics ahead of their round one showdown.
The dynamic Ash Gill joins the squad, bringing her elite skills to the Demons’ midcourt.
Additionally, Sacha McDonald makes a welcome return after her stint with the London Pulse in the English Vitality League.
The defensive end sees the return of Gabby Dwyer after a decade with Peninsula Waves, providing valuable experience and height to the circle.
Captain Sharni Lambden, returning from the 2023 season, is eager to see how the new combinations gel together.
The team also benefits from the presence of Poppy Douglass and Shannon Freeman, both members of the 2023 ANC Championship team, Magpies Netball.
Foundation athlete Emma Ryde, in her sixth season, continues to be a reliable target in the goal ring.
The goaling mix is further enriched with the inclusion of McDonald, offering the coaching team plenty of options to challenge their opposition.
Coaches Murray, Meagan Dell, and Donna Marsh are excited about the prospects in both attack and defence.
In the mid-court, the team boasts speed, sharpness, and grit, led by the experienced Tayla Honey and Lambden.
Sarah McCabe, stepping up from Division One, adds another zippy option in the middle.
Defensive prowess is assured with the likes of Lambden, Shannon Freeman, and Dwyer ready to cause chaos for the opposition goalers.
The 23-Under side, led by Coach Travis Pretty in his second year, is a blend of experience and youth.
New faces in Demons colours for 2024 include goalers Malia Seumanutafa, Kaylah Loulanting, and Grace van Tilberg, adding depth to the goaling circle.
The mid-court sees a combination of talent with Charlize Buskermolen, Mikayla Phillips, and Mollie Helmot joining existing Demons, Selene Chadwary and Olivia Hamilton.
The defensive end, led by captain Ella Rees, brings a mix of experience and youth with Lupe Fonua, Iliseva Sovau, Ellie Brasser, and Abbey Whitaker.
Pretty is pleased with how the combinations have shaped up during pre-season matches.
After the Casey Demons Season Launch at Casey Fields, the team is focused on their upcoming matches.
Casey Demons Netball President Rebekah Bogos expressed excitement about bringing elite netball back to the grassroots community in April, with the Demons to host Hawks Netball at Casey Stadium on Wednesday 3 April.
“We are thrilled to offer our Casey Netball community the first look at our new Demons line-ups,” Bogos said.
“It’s a fantastic chance for everyone to enjoy ‘Girls Night In’ while supporting Share the Dignity and raising awareness for Period Poverty.”
Casey Demons Netball Memberships are available to purchase at https://www.trybooking.com/COUJV
