Vixens sign O’Dwyer and Turner as 2027 Training Partners

The Melbourne Vixens have signed Mackenzie O’Dwyer and Ruby Turner as Training Partners for the 2027 season, recognising their continued development through the Victorian pathway.

The pair join Tara Watson, Mia Lavis, Ruby Pekin-Schlicht and Sloan Burton in the 2027 Vixens Training Partner program, where they will have further opportunities to develop within the club’s high-performance environment.

For 19-year-old O’Dwyer, elevation to the Training Partner program marks the latest milestone in a promising netball journey that began in the Murray River region. She grew up in the border town of Barooga, New South Wales.

A 174cm centre and wing attack known for her powerful style of play, O’Dwyer first took to the court at around six years of age. She progressed through the Victorian pathway and made her Victorian Netball League (VNL) debut with City West Falcons in 2023.

O’Dwyer has since represented three VNL Championship clubs: City West Falcons in 2023, Bendigo Strikers in 2024 and 2025, and North East Blaze in 2026, where she made her Championship debut this season.

Her representative experience includes selection in the Victorian 17/U squad in 2023 and 2024, followed by the Victorian 19/U squad in 2025 and 2026.

Away from the court, O’Dwyer is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), balancing university with the demands of elite netball.

Among her favourite achievements is helping the Shepparton Bears secure their first A Grade premiership, a special milestone with her home club, where she was coached by Vixen #41 Kim Borger.

Turner’s elevation comes in her third season in the Vixens Academy program, rewarding her consistency and continued development with the opportunity to train alongside the club’s elite playing group.

The 24-year-old goal keeper and goal defence stands at 184cm and grew up in Bendigo. She began playing netball in Grade 3 and has since competed across state, national and elite development programs.

Turner began her VNL career with North East Blaze, representing the club from 2020 to 2023 before joining Bendigo Strikers in 2024. She continues to play for the Strikers in the Championship division.

Her representative achievements include selection in the Victorian 19/U team and Australian 19/U squad in 2020 and 2021. Turner later joined the Collingwood Magpies Academy in 2022 and 2023 before progressing to the Mavericks Academy in 2024.

In 2025 and 2026, Turner was part of the Vixens Academy team, gaining valuable experience within the club’s high-performance system. Playing for the Vixens Reserves at John Cain Arena and reaching the VNL finals are among her career highlights to date.

Outside netball, Turner works as an occupational therapist, combining her professional career with her ongoing commitment to the sport.

Melbourne Vixens General Manager, High Performance and Pathways, Sharelle McMahon, welcomed the pair to the program.

“It’s fantastic to see two more athletes who began as juniors, progressed through the Victorian pathway program and represented Victoria earn the opportunity to join our Training Partner program for 2027,” McMahon said.

“Mackenzie has continued to develop her game through the VNL and Victorian representative programs, while Ruby has shown great consistency and commitment throughout her time in the Vixens Academy.

“Both players have worked hard to reach this point and being Vixens Training Partners will give them a valuable opportunity to continue developing within our high-performance environment, learn from our elite athletes and take the next steps in their netball journeys.”