The Sunshine Coast Lightning have started pre-season training with a mix of established players and fresh faces.
The 2017 and 2018 champions had about 10 weeks off, following the end of their 2021 Super Netball campaign, where they finished fourth out of eight teams.
They’ve returned to training with a relatively new-look line-up, under the guidance of second-year coach Kylee Byrne.
One of the club’s foundation players in 2017, Laura Scherian, has returned and she expected a new approach to a new season, which is due to start on March 26.
“Every year is different and (strength and conditioning coach) Mark (McKean) and Kylee know how to mix it up,” she said.
“They’re up to date with what works and what doesn’t and they know what we can improve on.”
Midcourter Scherian, 33, is a seasoned veteran approaching her sixth season with the Lightning but she was still excited by the prospect of training and playing.
“I am still loving my netball and it’s so exciting to be back with the girls,” she said.
“You get a bit older but you also get wiser in the offseason and with the work you do there, so I’m feeling pretty good coming into preseason.”
The club’s 10-strong roster includes established players Cara Koenen, Steph Wood, Mahalia Cassidy, Laura Scherian, Karla Pretorius and Kate Shimmin along with newcomers Tara Hinchliffe, Reilley Batcheldor, Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Annie Miller.
Scherian said they should be competitive.
“People come and go. Everyone who leaves, leaves something special behind and new people bring other things that are positive,” she said.
She looked forward to eased restrictions, which would enable fans to see more netball.
“We love our members and and hopefully we have more home games and events and functions.”
The Lightning have also just re-signed training partners Ashlee Unie, Maddie Hinchliffe and Annie Lawrie and signed new training partners Jada Gafa, Ava Black and Bridey Condren.
Local product and defender Unie provides strong coverage.She sustained a season-ending injury at the start of this year but has made positive strides in her ACL rehabilitation.
Help us deliver more stories by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
“Ash is such a credit to our team at Lightning and I’m really pleased that we can continue to contribute to her netball development next season,” Byrne said.“The absolute determination shown by her this year has been nothing short of inspirational and I can’t wait to see what she can achieve moving forward.“We will continue to work closely with Ash on the final stages of her injury rehabilitation before reintegrating back into the full Lightning program.”
Lightning squad
- Shooters: Cara Koenen, Steph Wood, Reilley Batcheldor.
- Midcourters: Mahalia Cassidy, Annie Miller, Laura Scherian.
- Defenders: Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Tara Hinchliffe, Karla Pretorius, Kate Shimmin
- Coach: Kylee Byrne.
- Training partners: Ash Unie, Maddie Hinchliffe, Annie Lawrie, Jada Gafa, Ava Black and Bridey Condren.
- Ins: Tara Hinchliffe (from Queensland Firebirds), Reilley Batcheldor (from Queensland Firebirds – training partner), Kadie-Ann Dehaney (from Melbourne Vixens), Annie Miller (from GIANTS Netball – training partner).
- Outs: Binnian Hunt (to Central Pulse, ANZP), Phumza Maweni (TBA), Maddie McAuliffe (retired), Peace Proscovia (to Surrey Storm, Vitality Netball Superleague).
