Strikers target first-up win against Waves

BENDIGO Strikers have sights on a first-up victory at home when the Victorian Netball League’s championship and 23-under action starts this Sunday.

Coached by Tracey Brereton in both competitions, Strikers are banking on a big turn-out at Red Energy Arena in West Bendigo for round one of the ’25 campaign.

More than 1000 fans were at REA to witness all three of the Strikers home games last season.

The Strikers will be aiming to build on the momentum from a sixth-place finish and a win-loss tally of 9-11 in its debut VNL season.

The championship match starts at 3pm.

In mid-court the Strikers have Kangaroo Flat’s Chelsea Sartori who has twice netted the Betty Thompson Medal as best and fairest in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL.

Sartori takes on the added challenge as captain of a team that includes Kangaroos’ clubmates Ash Ryan and Milly Wicks.

The Strikers have gained Melbourne Mavericks training partner Emma Walters to strengthen mid-court rotations.

Attacking options include Amelia Brock, Bridgette Furphy and Teal Hocking.

The versatile Heather Oliver is a gun at netball and basketball.

This season she joins forces with another gun goaler in Gabe Richards who was a team-mate when Bendigo Spirit won the Women’s National Basketball League title in 2013-14.

A strong Strikers defence will be led by Zoe Davies, Charlotte Sexton and Ruby Turner.

After an injury-riddled’24, Meg Williams is also preparing to return to the court.

Sunday’s action starts with the 23-under match at 1.30pm.

Talented mid-courter Shae Clifford was club fairest and best in ’24 and will captain the Strikers this season.

A new-look team at 23-under level includes goalshooter Ella Kerlin from Colbinabbin, Jorja Clode in attack, Shepparton’s Elsie Boyer and Echuca’s Asha Gray in mid-court.

The club has also signed tall defender Eliza