Elle Nexhip, pictured for Seymour, has been a key performer for the Bendigo Strikers this season.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Bendigo Strikers head coach Tracey Brereton has lavished praise on Goulburn Valley export Elle Nexhip after she was commended for her performances during the 2026 Victorian Netball League season.
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The skipper has become integral to the club’s rise as a true bastion of regional sport, representing country Victoria with distinction in the state’s top tier netball competition during what proved to be a historic season.
The Strikers first competed in the VNL in 2024, making a maiden finals appearance during the most recent campaign, after finishing fifth in the home-and-away league standings.
Now, Strikers coach Brereton has spoken of the impact of locker room leader Nexhip, current playing coach at Goulburn Valley League A-grade side Seymour, after the Bendigo outfit made the VNL last four.
Her efforts on the court later saw her come second in the polling for the club’s top individual honour in the form of Championship team’s best-and-fairest award for 2026, with some 60 votes.
“This has been her first year in the VNL since returning from England, but as soon as I heard she was coming home (to Australia), it was a no-brainer for me to give her a call, knowing the talent she is and knowing the connections to the community she has back here,” Brereton said.
“To get her back was great and straight away she’s bought into the club and her peers and us as coaches as well.
“She’s been a fantastic addition and a great captain for us.
“You’d love every player to win a best-and-fairest, or finish runner-up, but it shows they were at the elite level for a reason,” she added, reflecting on Nexhip’s contributions.
“As team members, they pull everyone together, but it is pleasing to see them stand alone and have it recognised just how good they are.”
Meanwhile, the contributions of two Goulburn Valley aces to the Strikers’ 23-and-under sides were acknowledged by coach Fiona Boyer.
Tatura product Elsie Boyer has been praised by her Bendigo Strikers coach.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In the case of her niece and team captain, Elsie Boyer, she finished runner-up in the best-and-fairest award stakes for 2026 with 42 votes.
“Elsie had a really great season. There was a game when she was unavailable for us and we certainly missed her in that game,” she said.
“She was a real leader in our attack end and she galvanised a group of athletes for the entire season, which is not always an easy thing to do.
“(Equal) best in finals was a good reflection of her value to the team.
“She’s definitely a player who likes to stand up when needed and will always want to do that and do that well.
“That’s what you want from a leader.”
Shepparton Swans ace Gabby Moore under the goal-ring.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In addition, Gabby Moore, of GVL side Shepparton Swans, claimed the Strikers’ VNL Reserves best-and-fairest award.
“She did a role for us in 23s that was really tough; we just needed to have enough cover in case of injuries, or other requirements from the champs team,” Boyer said.
“Gabby rolled on and off that court like it was the main team she was playing for. She really bought into both sides.
“Credit to her, she was unreal. I was rapt to see her win the reserves team award.”
