2022 training partners announced

Ruby Barkmeyer will return for her third season with the Vixens after making her Suncorp Super Netball debut in round 1 this year. Barkmeyer will continue to work closely with the group signing on as a temporary replacement player for Kiera Austin, who is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Throughout her 2021 campaign, Barkmeyer played 10 games highlighting her dynamism and turn of speed in attack.

Midcourter, Jordan Cransberg is back after a strong season with Melbourne University Lightning in the Victorian Netball League making it her third season with the Vixens as a training partner. Cransberg was an integral member through the midcourt for the Lightning throughout the VNL season alternating between wing attack and centre while using her strong drives and vision into the circle front to command the ball.

Sharni Lambden also joins the fray for 2022. Lambden is a familiar face, having progressed through the Netball Victoria pathway - before plying her trade as a training partner with Collingwood Magpies. She also participated in the Vixens Academy for the 2021 season, earning her elevation as a squad member for Melbourne Vixens for the 2022 season. A member of the Casey Demons in the VNL, Lambden has proven to be an exciting talent that can switch between multiple roles across the court including circle defence such as goal defence and then transition into the midcourt to provide a point of difference.

Emily Andrew is the fourth player to be announced in the squad for the upcoming season. The young goaler was also named as a member of the 19&U Australian squad earlier in the year. Andrew took the court for the Ariels in the VNL this season and proved to be a commanding force with her clever holds and fancy footwork.

General Manager – Vixens, Performance and Pathways, Rebekah Webster applauded the four players for being selected for the 2022 season.

“We are excited to have this talented group of young athletes sign on with the Vixens for the 2022 season. We have seen what Ruby is capable of throughout this year and we’re committed to her continued development as an elite athlete,” said Webster.

“We have a couple of new faces stepping up into the Vixens program next year and we are eager to see what they can produce, keeping in mind a lot of these athletes have had limited netball over the past two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

“These athletes have shown nothing but dedication and persistence to put their netball first and we can’t wait to get started.”

A further two players will be announced in the coming weeks to finalise the squad for the 2022 season.