Vixens roadshow rolls into Bendigo

A SHOWCASE of netball action will be at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena on Saturday, 10 February when the Melbourne Vixens roll on to the courts.

The Vixens have teamed up with Netball Victoria for the pre-season showcase of Victorian Netball League matches and Super Netball training.

Doors to the Marong Road venue will open at 10am.

City of Greater Bendigo has thrown its support behind the day which will feature VNL newcomer Bendigo Strikers in its first pre-season match against Boroondara Express.

Strikers have joined the VNL for 2024, along with Gippsland Stars and Melton-based Western Warriors.

The Strikers and Express will play exhibition matches between their 23-and-under sides and championship teams.

The development squads will also play a practice match.

Strikers president Melinda Keighran said the club was rapt to be part of the showcase.

“It’s a key milestone for the squads in the build-up to the season,” she said.

“From a club perspective it’s an amazing opportunity to springboard our connection to our new fan base and the netball community.”

Round one of the VNL season will be played on Wednesday, 6 March.

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said the event was a chance to showcase some great developments for the sport in the past year.

“The Bendigo netball community showed us just how passionate they are in 2023,” she said.

“The Vixens are excited to be heading back to Bendigo to give fans a glimpse into the intensity and demands of a high-performance training environment.

“There will also be a chance to meet some of the up-and-coming stars of Victorian netball from the region.”

A community clinic will also be run ahead of the action on the show court.

There will be a meet and greet opportunity with Vixens players for registered participants and booking for that are compulsory.

Two of the Vixens’ greatest goalers, Sharelle McMahon and Caitlin Thwaites were recruited from central Victoria.

Both won gold at world championships level and Commonwealth Games.

Their brilliance has put both in the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Basil Ashman Hall of Fame which is at Red Energy Arena.

Manager of tourism and major events for City of Greater Bendigo, Terry Karamaloudis, said it was great to have the Vixens return.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to see Bendigo Strikers take to the court and play for the first time at home.

“Bendigo loves its netball. It is wonderful for aspiring junior players to meet elite netballers and watch those at the top of their game at Red Energy Arena.”

Tickets which include entry to the show court for the VNL matches and the Vixens’ open training session are on sale through Ticketek.

Clinic tickets are $15. General admission tickets are $10.