Two Lightning players have been selected as part of the 10-strong team to compete at this year’s FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Speedy mid-courter Leesa Mi Mi has been selected after a stand-out Super Netball Season, joined by Super Shot specialist Reilley Batcheldor.
The series will be played from 9-10 November and feature hosts New Zealand, along with the top five countries in World Netball Rankings — Australia, England, Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda.
The Australian team will be coached by Netball Australia’s Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan and supported by West Coast Fever Talent Coach Guy Keane.
Australia has won the past two FAST5 Netball World Series, and head coach Anita Keelan looked forward to the challenge of coming up against the world’s top netball nations.
“The FAST5 competition is a great opportunity to expose Australian athletes to international netball,” Keelan said.
“I’m thrilled to be coaching this group of talented athletes alongside Guy Keane and our support staff.
“I can’t wait to see the development of the Australian FAST5 team at the Netball World Series as we focus on implementing performance behaviours and executing skills that are paramount to the Australian brand of netball.”
The event will also include three men’s teams, with New Zealand hosting, alongside Australia, and South Africa.
2024 Australian FAST5 Netball World Series Team
- Leesa Mi Mi C (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Queensland)
- Reilley Batcheldor GA/GS (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Queensland)
- Lucy Austin GS/GA (Adelaide Thunderbirds/South Australia)
- Ruby Bakewell-Doran GD/GK (Queensland Firebirds/New South Wales)
- Rudi Ellis GK/GD (Melbourne Vixens/New South Wales)
- Lauren Frew GA/GS (Adelaide Thunderbirds/South Australia)
- Kim Jenner GD/GK (Melbourne Mavericks/Queensland)
- Matisse Letherbarrow GS/GA (GIANTS Netball/New South Wales)
- Zara Walters C (Melbourne Vixens/Victoria)
- Tayla Williams C (Adelaide Thunderbirds/South Australia)
Reserves
- Sophie Fawns GS/GA (NSW Swifts/New South Wales)
- Amy Sligar C (GIANTS Netball/New South Wales)
- Teigan O’Shannassy GK/GD (NSW Swifts/New South Wales)
