Vixens name five training partners ahead of 2023 season

Sharni Lambden, Ruby Barkmeyer, Maggie Caris, Gabby Coffey, and Emily Andrew will join the playing group for another year.

Lambden made her SSN debut against the Magpies in Round 7 last season, the athletic defensive midcourter utilising her long arms and read of the play to have an immediate impact. She also co-captained the Victorian Fury side at the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) in August, her versatility shining through as she moved between circle defence and the midcourt with ease.

Elevated into the playing group at times throughout the Vixens’ 2022 campaign, including playing an integral role in the preliminary final win over GIANTS Netball, goaler Barkmeyer will once again be in Vixens colours for 2023. Her dynamic movement and craft around the circle at SSN level and for Fury at the ANC saw her named in the 21/Under Australian squad.

Circle defender Coffey made her SSN debut for Collingwood in Round 5 as a COVID Replacement Player and has long been a key cog in Melbourne University Lightning’s defensive end in the Victorian Netball League. She boasts plenty of athleticism and defensive nous, and a strong connection with Lightning teammate Caris, making her one to watch.

Caris is a dual-sport athlete, the athletic 190cm defender making her debut for the Melbourne Demons in AFLW in 2022. Following an exciting performance at last year’s ANC and another strong year for Lightning at VNL level, Caris was also selected in the 21/Under Australian squad.

The named group is rounded out by Andrew, a tall young goaler who featured in the Victorian 19/Under team that claimed bronze at last year’s National Netball Championships. Andrew was named in the 19/Under Australian squad following her performance at the tournament and continued to thrive as a focal point under the post for the Wilson Storage Southern Saints in the VNL.

While five athletes have been named at present, further athletes may be added to the squad in future. Lambden, Barkmeyer and Coffey are set to travel to Bendigo this weekend as part of the extended squad for the Vixens’ pre-season matches against Sunshine Coast Lightning and GIANTS Netball.

“We’re thrilled to have this exciting group of athletes joining the Vixens program for the 2023 season, particularly demonstrating the depth of talent in our Victorian netball pathway,” said General Manager Vixens, Performance & Pathways, Megan Simpson.

“Each athlete brings something different to our squad and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop in the high performance environment.”

2023 TRAINING PARTNERS

Sharni Lambden

Ruby Barkmeyer

Maggie Caris

Gabby Coffey

Emily Andrew

BENDIGO PRE-SEASON SQUAD

Kiera Austin

Kate Eddy

Mwai Kumwenda

Olivia Lewis

Emily Mannix

Kate Moloney

Hannah Mundy

Rahni Samason

Liz Watson

Ruby Barkmeyer

Gabby Coffey

Sharni Lambden