Star-studded Magpies seek netball success
Collingwood have made their ambitions for the new Australian netball competition clear: they're in it to win it after revealing six Diamonds representatives in their 10-player squad.
One of three new sides joining the eight-team Australian league, which has replaced the trans-Tasman competition, Collingwood have assembled a star-studded line-up.
Backed by the heavyweight AFL club, the Magpies name and logo was unveiled by club president Eddie McGuire on Wednesday at the impressive training centre they will share with the footballers.
Coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell said they had the talent to win in their debut season in 2017.
"I think the sky's the limit," she said.
"They have an amazing potential - they're fierce, powerful and are great people.
"I think they're up for the challenge."
The Magpies lured two current captains and Diamonds to their squad - Melbourne Vixens' Madi Robinson and West Coast Fever's Ash Brazill.
Other Australian players include Kimberley Ravaillion (Queensland Firebirds), Sharni Layton and Caitlin Thwaites (NSW Swifts) and April Brandley (Fever).
Rising stars Shae Brown (Fever), Cody Lange (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Alice Teague-Neeld (Vixens) and Micaela Wilson (Swifts) fill the other positions in the squad.
Keppich-Birrell said that they secured every player they went after and had to turn down quite a few.
"It's exciting for them to be part of something this new but also rich in history is really appealing to them," she said.
She said recruiting experienced players, as well as winners, was key.
"It was really important to try and find that blend of experience, performance players and potential and also getting the right kind of people," she said.
"You need to start with that winning culture and a player like Kim (Ravaillion) has only ever experienced that so what she brings in that space is really important.
Losing Robinson is a bitter blow for the Vixens, with the Diamonds wing attack admitting it was tough to break the news.
Layton, meanwhile, said it was a dream come true.
"I've been a Magpies supporter my whole life so to be able to wear the colours of the club I support is massive," Layton said.
