Big name recruits having great impact

The premier netball division has received a significant boost of talent for 2021, with former Suncorp Super Netball League players Erin Bell and Shae Brown signing on to play for Narre Warren and Doveton this season.

Having been teammates at the Collingwood Magpies for 2018, both players retired at the conclusion of that season before making the decision to step back onto the court at community level.

Playing a handful of games in the A grade competition, their impact has been felt significantly within their respective clubs where both girls have been able to provide the extra tuition needed on and off the court to help improve the overall performance of their respective sides.

Speaking on their influence in the Outer East competition, Netball Development Manager Greg Heinrich says their recruitment to the league has been invaluable and has helped to improve their club’s performance.

“It has been fantastic for Narre Warren and Doveton to recruit two netballers of the calibre of Erin Bell and Shae Brown to be part of our competition,” he said.

“The fact they have each played netball at a national level in this country means their teammates and others around them have someone to look up to in the competition.”

Often playing as a goal shooter, Bell has been instrumental for the Magpies in terms of her ability to move around the court and slot the ball through the net.

While Brown has only played one match to date, her involvement at the Doves has helped with regard to advice and guidance as they stepped up into premier division this year.

As teammates at Collingwood, they finished in 4^th position on the ladder in 2018 and then moved in other directions with their netball careers before joining the Outer East competition.

Looking ahead into the rest of the season, Heinrich hopes the fruition of the pairs impact at their respective clubs will continue to shine through as they aim for success in 2021.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how Narre Warren and Doveton will go as we continue to make tracks into 2021, with wins the clear aim for both sides at the moment,” Heinrich explained.

“Anything beyond that will be seen as a win, not only for the girls and their clubs, but the league as well.”

Brown will now focus on helping Doveton secure a win against Woori Yallock at Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve on Saturday while Bell and her Narre Warren team will enjoy a bye this weekend.