Claridge bolsters Cavaliers’ hopes
REIGNING premiers Cavaliers are looking the goods after securing some huge signings ahead of the State League netball season and will head into 2020 as the team to beat.
Creative goalie Zoe Claridge turned heads by jumping ship from cross-town rivals Northern Hawks. She will line up alongside emerging youngster Hayley McDougall, who made the move from Devon.
The pair strengthen the already impressive duo of Deanna Wadley and Melody Philpott, giving Cavaliers arguably the most formidable shooting end in the league.
Piper Sanders joins Cavaliers’ experienced centre court of Shelby Miller and Lucy Dennis and a new-look defensive end sees Estelle Margetts return to the club to combine with Dana Lester and Shannae Heazlewood.
Runners-up Hawks will no doubt be looking to atone for last year’s loss and, with minimal changes, should hit the ground running.
Hannah Lenthall has been rewarded for a fine under-19s season in 2019 and is likely to have an immediate impact.
Despite the loss of Claridge, goalies Ashlea Mawer and Dannielle Pickett have proved unstoppable in the past and with Chelsea Mawer and Claire McKimmie more than capable, the team should feature well into finals.
Arrows will start 2020 with several new faces, including coach Matt Charlesworth taking over from the long-serving Andrew Jackson.
The team will look to the experience of Zoe Gough, Kate Marr and Hayley Sansom to steer them back to a grand final after missing out last year.
Elise Barwick’s return to State League will add speed through the midcourt and elevated under-19 defender Alanna Cooper will be soaking up the experience around her.
Kingston Blues welcome exciting youngsters Brigitte Clack, Jess Earney and Lucy Street to the mix, while athletic defender Rebecca Hyland and the ever-reliable Lucy Bosker in centre will remain central to the team’s success.
Cripps Waratah will be eager to improve on last year’s fifth place. Lily Banks was impressive in 2019 and along with fellow defenders Alex Vinen and Olivia French, they will be looking to shut down opposition goalies. Cripps’ shooting trio of Katia Howell, Lauren Thornbury and Megan Harper will be keen to capitalise on created opportunities.
St.LukesHealth Karana is one of the youngest sides in the competition and experienced coach Lou Carter be looking to prove they are no lightweights. Exciting youngsters Felicia Di Carlo, Grace Pullen and Maddi Hay will support inspirational leader Zanna Jodlowska.
A new-look Devon side has retained Madalyn Harris and Emily Miles and welcomes the return of Maddisson Lockett and Kristelle Robinson.