Strikers a natural fit for Walters

THE Victorian Netball League (VNL) season is but a few weeks old, but Melbourne Mavericks training partner Emma Walters is already proving to be the perfect fit at her new club Bendigo Strikers.

Walters, who has returned to Victoria following a three-year stint on the Sunshine Coast, has been a key addition to the Strikers’ strong mid-court in her early appearances.

She looms as one of the difference makers for the Strikers in their second season in the state’s premier netball competition.

After missing the club’s season opener against Peninsula Waves due to the Mavericks’ Team Girls Cup commitments, Walters seamlessly slotted into the mid-court for the Strikers’ big round two win over Western Warriors.

She continued her stellar form in a gut-wrenching one-goal loss to last year’s grand finalist Boroondara Express in round three, in a performance that underlined the Strikers’ ability to match it with the VNL’s big guns.

Walters, who previously played with VNL powerhouse City West Falcons before making the move to Queensland, could not be happier with her transition into the Strikers lineup and her sound early form, on the back of a limited pre-season alongside her new teammates.

“I only did one practice match with them against (North East) Blaze, but it was a really good hit-out,” she said.

“But there were some girls I hadn’t played with before (her debut).

“It was disappointing to miss round one, especially when there was such big hype, but the girls were awesome.

“I was watching online and the girls absolutely smashed it. They didn’t even need me.”

Originally from the Geelong region, Walters, who spent a year as a training partner with former Super Netball club Collingwood Magpies in 2021, is steadfastly proud of her country roots.

Her background made her signing with the Strikers – among a sprinkling of country-based teams in the VNL competition – a natural fit.

“Every single one of the girls and the coaching staff and everyone that’s been a part of it (the Strikers) has been incredible,” Walters said.

“It’s nice being part of a regional team. I grew up regionally as well, so it’s awesome to be a part of it.

“It’s awesome to see that there is such club support back in Bendigo, so I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

As a Mavericks training partner, Walters will miss part of the VNL season due to Super Netball Reserves commitments.

She will have plenty of Strikers company in the team, with her championship teammates Zoe Davies and Teal Hocking and 23-and-under mid-courter Mackenzie O’Dwyer also picked in the Mavs squad, which will be coached by Strikers head coach Tracey Brereton.

Walters believed the strong Strikers presence was a testament to how far the club had come in its first two years of existence.

“It’s awesome to represent Bendigo in that reserves side. We should be really strong,” she said.