Cransberg elevated to Melbourne Vixens squad

Originally named as a member of the inaugural Vixens Academy back in December, Cransberg was elevated to the status of a full-time squad member after impressing coaching staff at training.

A member of the victorious 2019 Victorian Fury side that took out the Deakin University Australian Netball League (DUANL) title last year, Cransberg said she was excited for the opportunity.

“It’s been super exciting, [but] also quite nerve racking,” Cransberg said. “Playing with and training with players of such a high calibre, I think you’re bound to get a little bit of nerves, but mostly just excitement about the amazing opportunity I’ll get to train with them [and] be around amazing people I can learn so much from.”

“I think I can learn something from everyone in the team, probably specifically the midcourt,” Cransberg continued. “Liz [Watson], Kate [Moloney], Tay[la Honey], Kate Eddy as well, and even the training partners - Elle [McDonald] and Al[lie Smith] in the midcourt - I think they’ve all come from a different way to get there.”

“For me that’s the goal, to eventually get to the highest level [of netball] possible, and they’ve been there, they’re doing that…just to learn a little bit about that would be awesome.”

After taking up netball when she was 13 to follow in the footsteps of her older sister, Cransberg made her first state team as a bottom age 19/U player, before a serious injury brought things to a halt.

“Unfortunately [then] I ruptured my ACL, so I’ve had quite a difficult couple of years,” Cransberg continued. “However I was able to work pretty hard with the Vic Fury last year and all the S&C [strength and conditioning] team [at the VIS] to be back to where I am now, and I’m probably feeling the best I’ve ever felt in a long time; both mentally and physically.”

“Having the support from Vic Fury and also my VNL club – I’ve been at Melbourne Uni Lightning for about five years now - they’ve been awesome in getting me back as well.”

Melbourne Vixens Head Coach, Simone McKinnis, said Cransberg is the perfect example of what the Vixens Academy is all about.

“Jordan is one of the players in our Vixens Academy, which is a new initiative this year, and she’s a prime example of what the Academy is about; exposing developing athletes coming through the [Netball Victoria] pathway.

“She was outstanding from the word go,” McKinnis continued, “working hard and just really putting it out there on court with us, week in, week out, so [from that she] earnt the opportunity to become a full Training Partner for us to complete our Vixens squad.”