The Melbourne Vixens have bolstered their shooting end ahead of the 2024 Super Netball season with the recruitment of World Cup-winning goaler Sophie Garbin.
The 26-year-old, who played the last two seasons with the now-defunct Collingwood Magpies, will reunite with her Diamonds teammate Kiera Austin.
The Vixens also boast Malawi star Mwai Kumwenda in a formidable shooting line-up.
Standing at 184cm, Garbin can play as a holding shooter and as part of a dynamic moving circle, and proved a key cog in Australia's successful World Cup campaign in South Africa earlier this year.
In the final against England she sank 27 goals from 33 attempts to help secure the win.
“Having an athlete of Sophie’s talent joining our club is exciting for us and for our fans,” said Vixens coach Simone McKinnis.
“We saw what Sophie’s capable of delivering in high-pressure moments at the World Cup, and I’m looking forward to welcoming her into our environment and kicking off our preparations for season 2024 as a team.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning have confirmed the signing of two-time Liz Ellis Diamond winner Courtney Bruce from the West Coast Fever.
One of the world’s best defenders, and a premiership winner in 2022, Bruce will make her move to the Sunshine Coast to be coached by Belinda Reynolds, who was previously assistant at the Fever. Bruce finished top of the Super leaderboard in 2023 for rebounds (39) and came in second and third for deflection (103) and intercepts (35). “We worked very closely when I was at Fever and have a strong relationship, so I’m looking forward to working with her again,” Reynolds said of the Lightning's high-profile signing. “Courtney is a ball-winner and brings a wealth of experience into our defence-end.
"She is also a high-quality leader and will provide that both on and off the court for the rest of our lineup in 2024."
