Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions have added some more goal scoring power, signing the Ballarat Netball League’s leading goal scorer.
Rebecca Hicks has made the switch from Darley to the Lions in the off season, in a big boost for the Lions.
Hicks scored 665 goals for the Devils last season as she helped them make back-to-back grand finals and was named at goal shooter in the league team of the year last year.
Lions coach Kim Bailey said the signing of Hicks adds more depth to their shooting end and gives them more flexibility.
“She approached us as she was looking for something different,” she said. “We were very happy to have her.
“She’ll add flexibility and give us a fourth goaling option. Lani [Fauonuku] can go back into defence if we need as that’s her second position.
“Ruthy [Smith] we can pop her in at shooter or we can play her in wing defence, she came in and have an impact in a number of roles.
“It opens up rotations.”
The addition of Hicks is the only big change for the Lions, who have stuck with their core group.
Last year’s Sally McLean medallist Simona DiFillipo is back in the midcourt, along with former Melbourne Vixen Tayla Honey.
The defensive combination of Elly Randall and Eliza Gollant, will only get stronger, while Tara O’Grady is the other option at the attacking end.
Sarah Croft who plays for Bailey at Victorian Netball League club, the Western Warriors, also comes into the squad and will play in the midcourt.
Georgia Hellyer is still making her way back from a serious knee injury and will start in B-grade while her sister Ava Hellyer, who was part of the A-grade squad last season isn’t in the squad this season, but will still get opportunities.
Bailey said after 12 months together this group would only be better for the experience. The Lions made finals last season, knocked out in the first week.
“They’ve made some real connections on and off the court,” she said. “The support the girls give around the club, they want to be there.
“Most of them are at the Warriors as well, so they’ve been training together and getting extra game time, which will only help us.”
The Lions will start their season on April 13 against Redan on the road.
