2027 Vixens training partners confirmed

The trio have each progressed through the Vixens’ pathway with Watson and Lavis returning as training partners and Pekin-Schlicht elevated from the Vixens Academy after making her Super Netball debut in 2026.

Burton, a Melbourne-born former West Coast Fever training partner, rounds out the group, bringing valuable Super Netball and international experience to the Vixens program.

Watson, Vixen #67, returns as a training partner after being elevated as the club’s 11th player in 2025. She made an immediate impact from the bench on her Super Netball debut in the Vixens’ come-from-behind 2025 preliminary final win over the NSW Swifts.

The versatile 21-year-old can cover all three midcourt positions and was selected in state and national age-group squads each year from 2021 to 2025. After rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament while representing the 2025 Australian Pathways team on an international tour of Tonga, Watson missed the 2026 season.

She has worked closely with the Vixens’ medical and high-performance team throughout the year as she continues her recovery and builds towards a return to play.

Lavis enters her third year as a Vixens training partner after making her Super Netball debut in Round 12 this year against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, becoming Vixen #70.

Hailing from Howlong on the Victoria–New South Wales border, the 20-year-old can play goal attack and wing attack and has been a strong performer for the Vixens Academy. She was selected in Australian 17/U and 19/U squads and competed at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Known for her speed, court vision and confidence when attacking the post, Lavis also plays for the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League. She was named the 2026 Vixens Academy MVP at the Sharelle McMahon Awards.

Pekin-Schlicht has been elevated to training partner after an impressive year with the Vixens Academy. The Boroondara Express defender made her Super Netball debut in Round 10 against Sunshine Coast Lightning, replacing the injured Rudi Ellis to become Vixen #69.

She also gained valuable experience during the Vixens’ 2026 regional pre-season tournament, the Ballarat Blitz, where she stepped into the defensive line-up when Emily Mannix was unavailable.

Rounding out the group is Melbourne-born Burton, who joins the Vixens after three seasons as a West Coast Fever training partner.

The 24-year-old Essendon Netball Club junior made her Super Netball debut for Fever in Round 2 against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, becoming Fever player #133. A dynamic goal attack, Burton brings experience with the Comets in the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League, where she was part of the club’s Open premiership team, as well as a season with Team Bath in the UK Netball Super League in 2024.

Melbourne Vixens General Manager, High Performance & Pathways, Sharelle McMahon said the group brought an exciting mix of emerging talent and valuable experience.

“We’re incredibly proud to recognise and reward three outstanding Victorian pathway athletes with training partner contracts,” McMahon said. “Tara, Mia and Ruby have each shown enormous commitment and growth, and we’re excited to see them continue their development within the Vixens program.

“Sloan adds another dimension to the playing group. She brings valuable Super Netball and international experience, and her pathway background makes her a natural fit for our environment. We’re delighted to welcome her to the Vixens family and look forward to seeing the impact she can make in 2027.

“Tara has been exemplary in the way she’s approached her rehabilitation, and we’ll continue to support her through her return to play. Mia continues to impress with her ability to read the play, back herself and finish strongly, while Ruby has earned enormous respect through every opportunity she’s had in the Vixens environment.”