Already reeling from a mass exodus following the 2019 season, the most important piece of the Eagles puzzle, Tanner Edwards, will not be in bluer and gold next year.
In fact, she won't even be in the same league anymore.
Instead, she will be in the maroon and gold of the GVL's Shepparton Bears.
Edwards, 20, was named best-on-court in United's 2019 A-grade triumph, claimed the Eagles’ club best-and-fairest that season and was included at goal attack in the league's Team of the Year.
It followed another best afield performance in the MNL interleague clash earlier that year, as well as securing the league's Rookie of the Year and Coaches’ Most Wanted trophies and another Eagles best-and-fairest in 2018.
“I'm really looking forward to it,” Edwards said of the move.
“Playing GVL netball has been on my mind for probably a couple of years now, but United has always been my home and I've found it really hard to leave the nest.
“But being able to test myself at GVL level is really exciting, I'm stoked.”
Edwards hopes the consistent improvement she showed throughout her late teens — having also won United's B-grade best-and-fairest and coming runner-up in the league count in 2017 — can carry through to her maiden GVL campaign, which will be her first with any club other than United.
“I'm happy with how my netball has been progressing over the past few years, and I hope I can keep that up in the GVL,” she said.
“I was really fortunate to be surrounded by so many great people at United, I wouldn't be in the position I am today without them.
“I've had so many great memories and great times at United in my 11 or 12 years — I haven't played anywhere else — but I'm really looking forward to experiencing a new club and being able to make new friends.”
The new Bear has kept as busy as possible during Victoria's various stages of coronavirus restrictions, but is excited to be able to shortly get back on court and start working with her new teammates and coaches.
“Tracey (Shepparton coach Tracey Brereton) has been great so far in welcoming me to the club and I'm really excited to be able to grow my netball skills under her,” Edwards said.
“I've been lucky enough that I've been able to do something every day in lockdown, but I'm really excited to be back at the gym this week and back training soon.
“Not being able to play netball this year has definitely been really weird.”
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