Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon has been named in the Melbourne Vixens squad for the Super Netball Reserves competition.
Announced by Netball Australia, the competition has been established as a trial to support talent identification and provide additional match play opportunities for athletes on the cusp of Suncorp Super Netball.
The competition will run over five weeks from June 1 to July 7 and will be open to fans, with a number of matches to be played following SSN fixtures.
Shannon, who plays with Riddell in the Riddell District Netball League, is a key player in the Warriors championship side.
The midcourter returned recently after receiving a broken nose earlier in the season. She was part of the Vic Fury squad in the Australian National Championships last year.
Gisborne goaler Claudia Mawson has also been named in the squad. Mawson plays for Melbourne University Lightning in the VNL.
Tracey Brereton, who has been named coach, brings a wealth of experience in the Victorian pathway both as a coach and athlete, having played for Vixens predecessor club the Melbourne Kestrels.
Netball Victoria high performance and pathways general manager Megan Simpson said the new competition will offer valuable match play opportunities for athletes in the pathway system.
“We’re pleased to have worked with other clubs and member organisations across the country to drive this new initiative,” she said.
“We recognise the importance of supporting our athletes, coaches and officials through these initiatives, so they are prepared and capable of stepping into an SSN environment in the future.”
“The talent in our pathway deserves, and will benefit from, more opportunities to compete at this standard. We’ve selected a squad full of emerging athletes who bring great experience from their involvement within our Victorian programs and competitions. We have a passionate head coach, and I’m excited to watch Tracey work with this group of athletes to enhance their development, as they compete against the best from across the country.”
