![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/03\/TealHocking_24865.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A seven-goal margin the Strikers’ way at quarter-time, after the Express had led by three goals on three separate occasions early in proceedings, was as close as Boroondara would come for the rest of the game.<\/p>\n
On the back of new skipper Elle McDonald’s dominance in the midcourt, some brilliance in the goal circle from Teal Hocking, and a staunch defence, the Strikers were able to blow the margin out to 10 at half-time.<\/p>\n
Brereton lauded her players’ ability to quickly regain their composure when threatened early.<\/p>\n
“The girls pulled it back together, so it was fantastic to see them work their way through it,” she said.<\/p>\n
“That was a real confidence boost for them.<\/p>\n
“Everyone had a bit of a run today and got some decent minutes in and got a taste in the first game.<\/p>\n
“I think that’s really important in round one, so hopefully everyone is feeling good going into round two.”<\/p>\n
A comfort for Brereton, when struggles hit the Strikers this season, is being able to draw on the experience of McDonald and defender Kristiana Manu’a, with their years of involvement in Super Netball programs.<\/p>\n
Both were clear standouts along with recently announced Mavericks 11th player Charlotte Sexton.<\/p>\n
“Our experienced players and leaders did truly live up to their title,” she said.<\/p>\n
“But what I did really like was there was no hesitation with changes. There were multiple rolling subs.<\/p>\n
“It just happened at times that I thought we needed different match-ups or different little punches into the game.<\/p>\n
“I take my hat off to the girls being ready to go and as soon as they hit the court, putting their best foot forward.”<\/p>\n
Other bright spots for the Strikers included midcourter Harriet Gall’s first game back after missing the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury and Meg Williams return to health following two wildly interrupted seasons.<\/p>\n
Gall was one of the five to play in her first championship game for the Strikers, along with McDonald, goal shooter Hayley Howard, and Shae Clifford and Mia McCrann-Peters, both promoted from last year’s 23-and-under team.<\/p>\n
Manu’a was a newcomer of sorts too having played a handful of games in the Strikers’ first season in 2024, before returning to the SSN for one last stint with Sunshine Coast Lightning.<\/p>\n
The cherry on top for the Strikers was getting to play on the big stage before an official Suncorp Super Netball clash, won by Melbourne Mavericks over Giants.<\/p>\n
Next up for the Strikers is the Lightning, who are coming off a round one draw with Geelong Cougars.<\/p>\n
Next Sunday’s clash at Red Energy Arena starts at 3pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW-look Bendigo Strikers started the 2026 VNL Championship season with a bang, breaking their Boroondara Express curse with a 15-goal win at Red Energy Arena on Saturday. The Strikers, with five players making their championship debut in double blue and gold, got the momentum boost they desired going into their third season in the […]<\/p>\n