More netball recruits at Sunbury

SUNBURY premiership coach Kim Bailey is putting her faith in a tall mix of youth and experience to offset the loss of dominant goal shooting force Bec Hicks in 2026.

Last year’s BFNL A-grade runner-up has unveiled the signings of twin talls Charlize Bellette and Lani Fauonuku in moves certain to safeguard their place among the league’s premiership contenders.

Newcomer Bellette and the returning Fauonuku will join the re-signed Caitlin Hill in the circle.

The experienced Hill played 10 games in her debut season for the Lions in 2025, interrupted by her commitments with Melbourne Vixens SSN Reserves team.

Opposition defences can brace for Hill playing a more prominent role in 2026.

The tall and agile Bellette joins the Lions from Romsey, where she played A-grade and under-19s this season.

She debuted with VNL club Geelong Cougars, but will line up with Western Warriors in 2026, where Bailey is the head coach.

Bailey, who led the Lions to the premiership in 2024, said Bellette had come to her

“She’s only 17, but was top 25 for the Vic 19-and-under squad and was with Mavs reserves last year as a training partner,” Bailey said.

“She played VNL with Geelong this year, but is coming over to Western Warriors next year.

“I’ve been watching her for a little while and asked if she’d like to have a go. With Bec Hicks going down to Warrnambool and Tara (O’Grady) moving to Queensland, we’ve brought in some nice replacements.”

Fauonuku, a premiership player with Sunbury in 2024, returns to the Lions’ den after a season with rival BFNL club Melton this year.

“She is in the Aussie 19-and-under team, so we are rapt to have her back,” Bailey said.

“Charlize and Lani are only kids, but Caitlin Hill has committed for the whole season. I don’t think she’s going to play SSN Reserves this year.

“It will be great having her on court more this year. We’ll be very tall in our attack line.”

Hill was named the Lions’ best in finals, while Hicks claimed the best and fairest award ahead of midcourter Sarah Croft.

The Lions, who fell 46-51 to Darley on grand final day after earning the minor premiership, have bid farewell to two-time league medallist Simona Di Filppo.

The star midcourter has headed to Goulburn Valley league club Tatura, where she will be coached by former Super Netball shooting ace Kim Borger.

Bailey said Di Filippo went with the club’s full blessing and best wishes.

“She’s won a premiership and a couple of best and fairests and just wanted a new challenge,” she said.

“We are happy with that. We hope she may fill in for us at some stage if we need her, but a new challenge will be great for her. She needs to do what’s right with her.”

Bailey said preparations for 2026 were coming together well, but admitted the loss to Darley still stung.

“You never get over grand final losses; it still stings,” she said.

 

“It was one that maybe got away from us, but take nothing away from Darley, they were amazing on the day. They played really well and really deserved it. You know they are going to be strong again.”

Among the confirmed re-signings at Clarke Oval, inspirational captain Tayla Honey has also recommitted.

Hicks, who also played a key role in Woodend-Hesket’s Riddell league premiership win, will line up with Hampden league reigning premiers Koroit next season after making the move to Warrnambool.

She will continue to play for Warriors in the VNL.

Casting her eye across the league, Bailey was excited to see an influx of ANL and VNL experienced talent filtering in.

Most notably, North Ballarat’s signing of ANL premiership player and Melbourne University Lightning VNL flag winner and captain Maddie Fitzpatrick (nee Carter) as coach.

“She is a great get for North,” she said.

“I’m sure she has some nice recruits lined up and their attack line is really strong to start with.

“Adding her and some recruits will make them much stronger again.”

Cellar dwellers in 2025, Ballarat have also made moves to ignite their rise up the ladder, signing a trio of VNL-affiliated players – sisters Eliza and Xara Burge (Melbourne University Lightning) and Dakota Blade (Hawks).