Several Goulburn Valley on-court guns have inked their signature at a fresh Victorian Netball League franchise.
Western Warriors, based at Melton, have welcomed Shepparton’s Kim Borger and Ella Ogier as well as Tatura’s Jasmine Fraser into their championship make-up for their inaugural VNL tilt.
Ogier, who switched from Mooroopna to the Bears in the off-season, moves back into the VNL fold.
Borger changed her stripes after representing Melbourne Vixens in 2023.
Meanwhile, Fraser traded shades of blue after sporting Melbourne University Lightning colours last season.
However, of the trio, one has made an immediate impression at the Warriors.
Championship coach Kim Bailey singled Borger out alongside goaling partner Julia Woolley, touching on the sharpshooter’s pedigree.
“Julia Woolley and Kim Borger in the circle have been incredible to watch,” Bailey said.
“Two of the smartest and most experienced players in the competition, they look like they have played together for years – not just months.”
In addition to playing in the championship side, Borger will coach the Warriors’ 23-and-under team.
“Kim brings a level of professionalism to our club and has thrown herself into the club like nothing I have ever seen. Her passion and commitment are second to none,” Bailey said.
“She is a quality person, both on and off the court, and the 23s are very lucky to have someone like her imparting her knowledge to them.”
Western Warriors aren’t the only franchise to sport a raft of Goulburn Valley talent.
City West Falcons have roped in the services of Shepparton’s Genna Ogier, Jane Cook and Madelyn Gray for their championship squad, while Jacinta Todd will serve as the Falcons’ 23-and-under mentor.
Like her sister Ella, Genna Ogier will don Bears garb in 2024, while those within Deakin Reserve’s inner sanctum will be all too familiar with Cook and Gray’s capabilities.
Cook snared the VNL Hot Shot Award with 852 goals in 2023, while Ogier replaces Gray, who is expected to return to court after the birth of her first child.
Elsewhere, Melbourne University Lightning has snapped up Mooroopna jets Dayna Williams and Asha Gray, while Seymour’s Sarah Szczykulski and Casey Adamson are on Boroondara Express’ roster alongside Tatura co-coach Elsie Boyer.
ˑ The 2024 VNL season will begin on Wednesday, March 6.