Sport

GVL selects squads for Netball Victoria Association Championships

By Aydin Payne

Jul 12, 2022

The Goulburn Valley League has announced its two sides that will challenge for the Netball Victoria Association Championship finals.

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An all-star cast has been assembled in the Open outfit and will be coached by Mooroopna mentor Di Hanslow.

The 11-player team will be tasked with defending the GVL’s 2019 success.

The majority of this year’s squad, that claimed interleague success against Ovens and Murray League, will travel down to Melbourne for Finals Day on July 24.

Echuca duo and former Kyabram premiership players Belinda Lees and Steph Vick are the only Murray Bombers to make the Open outfit.

The pair played integral roles in May’s interleague triumph.

Shepparton United has the strongest representation in the squad with four.

Dual Wellman Medal winner Jessie Barnes, United coach Kara Blizzard, along with Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby, have been selected.

Represent: Shepparton United’s Jessie Barnes. Photo by Aydin Payne

Mooroopna has three talents named in the team.

Young gun Dayna Williams is joined by teammates Ella Ogier and Elle Brooks.

Tatura pair Molly Kennedy and Steph Smith-Gorrie round out the 11-player team.

The Open outfit will benefit from the involvement of former international coach Julie Hoornweg, who will assist in a mentor role.

A talented 15-and-under outfit has been selected.

Shepparton Swans have a strong contingent selected in the outfit with five youngsters named.

Brianna Turner, Gabby Moore, Jaylah Meda, Remi Bruton and Ruby Diffey will represent the Swans.

In the side: Mooroopna’s Dayna Williams. Photo by Aydin Payne

Shepparton’s Montana Burke and Lucy Bicknell are in the side and Mooroopna pair Amani Issell and Claudia Plattfuss as well.

Meanwhile Echuca, Rochester and Seymour will be represented by Paige Simpson, Madison Pearse and Sophie Munro respectively.

Hanslow’s daughter Bree will coach the 15-and-under side, while Sue Egan and Meagan Harrison will head down as assistant coaches.

Open team

Belinda Lees (Echuca), Steph Vick (Echuca), Ella Ogier (Mooroopna), Elle Brooks (Mooroopna), Dayna Williams (Mooroopna), Jessie Barnes (Shepp United), Kara Blizzard (Shepp United), Laura Cole (Shepp United), Olivia Kirby (Shepp United), Molly Kennedy (Tatura), Steph Gorrie-Smith (Tatura).

15-and-under team

Paige Simpson (Echuca), Amani Issell (Mooroopna), Claudia Plattfuss (Mooroopna), Madison Pearse (Rochester), Sophie Munro (Seymour), Lucy Bicknell (Shepparton), Montana Burke (Shepparton), Brianna Turner (Shepp Swans), Gabby Moore (Shepp Swans), Jaylah Meda (Shepp Swans), Remi Bruton (Shepp Swans), Ruby Diffey (Shepp Swans).