One of the chief architects behind the Cats’ undefeated run to begin the club’s A-grade campaign, Gray has also impressed with the Bendigo Strikers under-23s in her second season at Red Energy Arena.
The tireless centre maestro’s leadership as vice-captain has also served her well, and it’s why the Strikers had no hesitation in promoting her to the Championship squad last Wednesday for her debut in the VNL topflight.
Gray’s opportunity came late in the game against the Southern Saints at Junortoun after a glittering start to the 2026 season, and the rising star marked her first match at the level with a 60-42 win that kept Bendigo locked into second.
“I actually felt pretty prepared coming into it,” Gray said.
“I felt like I was ready to be given a crack - it was a really good opportunity. It was good to be with the champ girls and play under Tracy [Brereton] as well.
“I feel pretty good out on the court playing centre and wing defence.
“We’re just all friends, and we all back each other, so it’s really easy to win games when you're all winning for each other.”
Although Gray conceded the jump in “speed and strength” was quite noticeable, the 22-year-old’s turn in wing defence was another confidence booster for the young gun who, despite travelling 100’s of kilometres a week between Echuca, Bendigo, the State Netball Centre in Melbourne, and Mooroopna, said it was all worth it for a shot at a foot in the door.
“It's a lot of travel,” she said.
“The drives home at night definitely aren't the best, but you get used to it and it's definitely worth it.
“And it's worth it when you're playing good netball and playing with good people. I wouldn't change it.
“Mum and Dad obviously drove me when I was too young to have my license, so they've just put in so much work for me over the past few years, driving to Melbourne and Bendigo.
“I'll forever be grateful for that.”
Her promotion to the State league’s top tier comes after crafting an impressive body of work that stretches well beyond this season’s hot start at the Cattery, and at 22 it’s not a bad resume’ to cast the eye over.
Hailing from Echuca and debuting for the Murray Bombers A-grade side as a 15-year-old, Gray made the switch to Mooroopna after some gentle coaxing from coach Di Hanslow and has gone on to play more than 100 games at the Cattery.
“I started my juniors at Echuca Bombers and then I made my way over to Mooroopna,” Gray said.
“It’s the best move I ever made; I love Mooroopna and the club there.
“Echuca will always be my home, but playing netball over at Mooroopna on Saturday’s is the best thing I ever did.
“I love it so much. They're a family over there and it’s the same thing at the Strikers, they just want to win for each other, and everyone just wants to be around each other.
“I think I was playing under-17s and A-grade the first year I came over and [Di] was just amazing.
“She made the move seamless.”
And Gray hasn’t looked back.
She has represented the GVL as both a player and youth assistant coach, the latter role she clearly relishes as she heads into her third year coaching Mooroopna’s under-15s.
In 2023 she placed third in the Wellman Medal count in a notable illustration of her on court capabilities, but the best may still be yet to come for the Mooroopna dasher if her side can keep the pace.
The Cats are 3-0 and snapped reigning premier Shepparton’s 23-game winning streak in round three, naturally eliciting some excitement from its star centre and building hope that a run of four consecutive finals series – including two preliminary finals – could deliver the ultimate.
“I'm so excited,” she said.
“Obviously, over the past four years, I think we've had some pretty close losses. We've made finals every time, but I think this year I'm feeling really confident.
“We back each other more than ever, and we've got amazing coaches.”
Waiting for a chance to knock off the undefeated Cats in an Anzac Day blockbuster is ninth-placed Shepparton United, which is aiming to square the ledger at 2-2 on Saturday evening on Mooroopna’s home court.
Meanwhile, Shepparton will be hoping for a swift comeback from a rare defeat, welcoming the Swans to Deakin Reserve in round four.
Seymour and Euroa face off in a highly anticipated clash at King's Park, while Benalla will be hoping to get on the board against Mansfield.
Rochester hosts Tatura at Moon Oval, while Echuca heads to Kyabram to face the winless Bombers.
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