After announcing their inaugural Victorian Netball League Championship squad, Bendigo Strikers have again looked to the Goulburn Murray region while crafting their under-23 squad, announced last week.
With Tongala’s Milly Brock confirmed for the top squad, the under-23 list reveals she won’t be the only Blue to don the Strikers’ kit, with 2023 premiership coach Grace Hammond named a member of the Bendigo side.
Hammond, 22, spear-headed Tongala’s drought-breaking effort in the Murray Netball League this season and is one of the league’s most consistent midcourt players.
Hammond won’t be alone in earning a first VNL appointment, with under-17 Moama duo Abby Larkin and Hannah Richards also picked for Strikers duties.
Both represented the Goulburn Murray Region at the Victorian state titles earlier this year and were vital cogs in the Pies’ under-17 premiership, with Richards judged best on court in the decider and Larkin claiming the league best-and-fairest.
“To have the range of quality players we have selected is thrilling,” Strikers coach Jayden Cowling said.
“This is a true regional squad with 10 clubs across five leagues represented in the 23-and-under squad.
“I am excited to work with these talented players as individuals to help them continue to improve and perform at the state level while shaping them into a cohesive team unit.”
Blues goal-shooter Milly Brock and Rochester’s Teal Hocking were announced as members of the Championship division squad earlier in November.