Young gun Graham signs on as replacement player
Eighteen-year-old Victorian pathway product Lily Graham has been named as the Vixens’ permanent replacement player for star goaler Mwai Kumwenda, who announced her pregnancy in February.
Standing at 183cm tall, Graham is an accurate and dynamic shooter with the versatility to play across both attacking positions, and will join an attack line already boasting Australian Diamonds shooters Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.
Graham was named as a Vixens training partner for the first time this year, having made her Victorian Fury debut at the 2023 Australian Netball Championships.
Born and raised in south-east Melbourne, Graham has played in the Victorian Netball League since 2021 and represented Victoria at 17/Under and 19/Under level at the National Netball Championships in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
“We’re really pleased to be able to reward Lily’s effort and work ethic with this opportunity, and we’re looking forward to seeing her grow and develop with more exposure at Super Netball level,” said head coach Simone McKinnis OAM.
“Lily is an exciting talent from our Victorian pathway, she’s very agile and dynamic, comfortable shooting from range and can play as part of both a holding and moving circle which offers us valuable flexibility.”
“She has impressed in the Victorian Netball League, our Victorian State team program and at the Australian Netball Championships, and we know from her time as part of our wider squad that Lily’s a great cultural fit in our group – the team is thrilled for her.”
“We’re super excited to have Lily join the 10 for this season,” said Vixens captain Kate Moloney.
“Since coming into the Vixens environment this year Lily has worked extremely hard and we’ve seen her game develop so much already, so I can’t wait to see what she can do with us as a team this year.”
“I was so excited and a little speechless in the meeting, but overall just super grateful to have this opportunity,” said Graham.
“I’ve loved every minute at the Vixens so far, the team and all the support staff have been so inviting and positive, and that makes me feel so privileged to come in to training every day.”
“Getting to train with and learn from the best has been so helpful in me growing not only as a player, but as a person away from the court.”
“This season I want to bring the best version of myself to every training session and game with the team, where I work my absolute hardest but also enjoy myself so I know that I’ve given it my all every day.”
The Vixens begin their 2024 campaign with the inaugural derby against new team the Melbourne Mavericks, at John Cain Arena on Sunday 14 April.
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