Vixens lure defender home for 2024

Ellis was part of the Victorian Fury’s Australian Netball League championship-winning side in 2019 before heading north to join the Queensland Firebirds for the 2020 SSN season.

The rangy 190cm defender played 17 games in two seasons then moved west to join Fever, where she played a further 14 games and became a championship player in 2022 while honing her craft alongside Australian Diamonds defensive pair Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang.

Prior to her move north in pursuit of national league court time, 26-year-old Ellis was embedded in the Victorian netball pathway as a Vixens training partner in 2018 and 2019 and was selected into the Australian Diamonds Development Squad for 2021/2022.

“Rudi is a fantastic talent and her experience with our club and pathway will no doubt support a smooth return to Victoria,” said General Manager High Performance & Pathways Megan Simpson.

“Her existing relationships with many of our athletes and coaches position Rudi well to hit the ground running and we’re excited to see her back in the navy uniform in 2024.”

“I’m really pleased to welcome Rudi back to our group, it’s great to see how much she’s developed since she was in our environment and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to coach her again,” said Head Coach Simone McKinnis OAM.

“We’ve seen Rudi performing at SSN level for the past few years and we think she’s an ideal fit for us, she offers something different with that extra height and reach which will boost our defensive unit’s versatility when we look to combat different attacking styles.”

“I couldn’t be happier to be back home and in the navy again with such an exciting group leading into the 2024 season,” said Ellis.

“I have a lot of respect for Simone and Di as coaches and I can’t wait to continue developing as a player under their guidance – bring on 2024!”

Further announcements regarding the Vixens’ 2024 list will be made in due course.

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