Drayton’s Strikers VNL debut six years in the making

AFTER her first shot at VNL netball was cruelly cut short due to illness, Amity Drayton didn’t expect to get another.

But late last year a lifeline emerged when a vacancy in the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under midcourt for the 2026 season opened.

It’s an opportunity she grasped with both hands.

A proud moment for the 22-year-old from Bendigo Football Netball League club Gisborne arrived a fortnight ago when she made her Strikers debut in front of a home crowd at Red Energy Arena against defending 23-and-under champions Melbourne University Lightning

A centre for the Bulldogs, Drayton lined up at wing defence, winning high-praise from her coach Fiona Boyer for her performnace.

Her impressive debut came six years after she won a spot in the Geelong Cougars 19-and-under squad, an opportunity which through no fault of her own, disappointingly ended prematurely.

“I got really sick. I did pre-season but I had to stop VNL and just played Flyers for Geelong,” she said.

“I just got run down and had low iron and bad phosphate levels.

“I was doing year 12 as well, so I had to stop something.”

Following her family’s move to the north of the state from Gisborne, Drayton spent the next three years playing for Yarrawonga and

Mulwala, representing the Murray league at the Association Championships in 2023.

A return to Gisborne last year saw her quickly elevated to the A-grade team and part of a strong side that narrowly missed a spot in a third straight grand final following premiership wins in 2023 and ’24.

Her impressive form did not go unnoticed by those at the Strikers, in particular the club’s director of coaching Carol Cathcart, who was keen to see her trial for a spot in this year’s team.

It was an offer she was glad to accept.

Having established herself in the Strikers line-up, there is a sense of urgency driving Drayton.

“This year is my last year of under-23s (eligibility), so I’ll need to make the most of it,” she said.

“I really wasn’t expecting to be playing VNL, so it was great to get the call from Carol and then to actually get into the team.

“I’m hoping to build confidence as the season goes along and to learn more.

 

“Being a team sport, I’m loving the opportunity to get to play with new players.”

One of two Gisborne players in the 23-and-under team alongside fellow midcourter Emily Miles, Drayton said her new teammates could have not been more welcoming and supportive.

“They’re beautiful. A lot of them played Bendigo (league) last year so I kind of knew a few of them, and there is also a kind of mutuals from around Echuca way,” she said.

“I played up there in the Murray league. Asha Gray (Echuca United) was one. She’s been a big help to me.

“Em (Miles) is great value, we get along really well. Coming from Gisborne, we know how each other play.

“I’m happy to be part of this midcourt. I’m a very defensive player, so centre or wing defence is where I’ll slot in.”

Drayton, who is studying health services/occupational therapy and works part time at a primary specialist school, said her extra netball commitments made for a hectic schedule, but it’s a load she was totally relishing.

“It’s good to be busy,” she said.

While the Strikers were unable to back-up their impressive round one win over Boroondara Express against the Lightning, coach Boyer declared Drayton’s debut as one of the bright spots.

“She ran through wing defence for us and while she is relatively unfamiliar with that position, she did a tremendous job,” she said.

“It was great to see her combine with Asha (Gray) out in front of her.

“It was very exciting and that possibly alleviated any nerves, to have someone with a bit of VNL experience out in front of her.

“Amity’s had a tremendous pre-season. Her commitment from the time she was invited to come in has been amazing. She has just put one foot in front of the other every time she has turned up.

“It’s been really nice getting to know her as a player and a person.

“I reckon the benefits of her great pre-season will show in the weeks to come.”

Boyer said Drayton had quickly endeared herself to teammates and the coaching staff with her hard work ethic and strong defensive qualities.

Away from the Strikers, Drayton is aiming to play a big part in Gisborne’s 2026 season, which kicks off this Friday against reigning premiers Kangaroo Flat at Gardiner Reserve.

The Bulldogs will head into the season on the back of a third-place finish in 2025, but with the potential to contend for another flag.