Tatura’s Elsie Boyer has been named captain of Bendigo Strikers’ 23-and-under side.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Elsie Boyer and Elle McDonald are coiled and ready to strike.
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The Tatura and Seymour stars have been announced as captains of Bendigo Strikers’ respective 23-and-under and championship sides ahead of the VNL’s opening round kicking off next week, following a peer-voting process.
Midcourt dynamo Boyer is no stranger to leadership, having co-coached Tatura for the past few seasons, but the recent appointment is another feather in a cap already festooned with accolades.
In just the space of a few years, the Bulldogs’ centre was awarded Tatura’s Australia Day Sportsperson of the Year, finished runner up in the Wellman Family Medal count and won an A-grade club best and fairest.
Not bad for a 21-year-old.
She’ll head an exciting Strikers 23-and-under contingent that finished fourth in last year’s campaign.
Meanwhile, McDonald has made waves upon return to Australia.
The Seymour premiership winning star and 2015 Wellman Family Medallist departed for the UK at the end of 2022 following stints at Super Netball clubs Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Elle McDonald will captain Bendigo Strikers’ championship outfit in 2026.
Photo by
Cath Grey
McDonald, born in England, moved to her birth country and was awarded three caps for the Vitality Roses, and has since signed on as playing coach of the Lions in the Goulburn Valley League alongside her Strikers commitments.
“I feel really honoured … it’s a lovely position to be put into by my peers,” McDonald said.
“Having it team voted make it a bit more special. I feel really supported and can’t wait to get the season underway.
“It’s been short and sweet so far (with the Strikers), but everyone at the club has been so welcoming.
“They have really embraced everyone new to the club and I definitely feel part of the family.”
McDonald will serve under revered local coach Tracey Brereton, who said the decision to chase the gifted midcourter was a “no-brainer”.
“It’s pretty amazing to get someone of Elle’s calibre, who has been playing over in the Super League in England, come into your program,” she said.
“She’s a great leader and has great experience.
“There is a bit of change in our team, but it is exciting at the same time, getting to promote players like Shae Clifford and Mia McCrann Peters and pick up another young player in Dayna Williams, who’s played in grand finals at MU (Lightning).”
The Strikers will find no bigger stage on which to launch their 2026 season, with their round one clash against Boroondara Express scheduled as the curtain raiser to Melbourne Mavericks’ season opener against GIANTS at Red Energy Arena on March 14.
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