Caldwell replaced by Puopolo at summer challenge

Melbourne Vixens goal attack Tegan Caldwell will be rested from this weekend's pre-season competition in Sydney, with Stephanie Puopolo coming into the side as a replacement player.

Caldwell has recovered well from an ankle injury, however Vixens coach Simone McKinnis told the Herald Sun that it she did not want to take any risks with the start of the season just three weeks away.

"It's a big weekend (in Sydney) so the call was made to leave her (out) this weekend and then hopefully she's all good for the following weekend,'' McKinnis said.

"It (the ankle) has come up really well and they're really pleased with it and Tegan was really pleased, but there was no way that I was going to be getting her to play Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

"You can't do it because we can't have extra players. If you have somebody that is limited to a certain amount of quarters, that means others have to carry extra loads.

"It's for the sake of everybody and she needs the extra time.''

The Vixens are confident Caldwell would be fit for the season opener against Central Pulse at Margaret Court Arena on March 1.

The team travel to Sydney tomorrow for the ANZ Championship Pre-Season Summer Shootout at Sydney Olympic Park with games played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Puopolo played with the Victorian Fury in the 2014 Australian Netball League competition and has returned to Melbourne after stints with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Queensland Firebirds.