BENDIGO-based Melbourne Vixens fans can expect to see Chloe Watson in a more familiar role during the 2016 ANZ Championship season.

The former Sandhurst netballer looks set to spend more time at goal defence, after splitting time between wing defence and other defensive assignments in her debut season with the Vixens in 2015.

Watson, a former Australian under-21 representative, said she was looking forward to the latest challenge in her still blossoming career.

"It's what I grew up playing here at Sandhurst and goal defence is what I've done my whole life," she said.

"But I'm happy to step in wherever the team needs me."

The Vixens start their 2016 ANZ Championship campaign against the Sydney Swifts in Sydney on April 3.

It will be the first of two games on the road to start the season, with their opening home game coming in round three against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on April 17.

Watson said the Vixens were keen to make amends for a disappointing year in 2015, finishing fourth in their conference.

She was confident the team had the talent to sharply improve.

"Fourth for a Melbourne or Victorian team isn't good enough, so we want to rectify that," Watson said.

"We have a great crew and we've really been training hard with that in mind.

"We had a couple of real good hit outs on the weekend, so I think we can do a whole lot better this year."

The Vixens will welcome back their wing attack and 2014 premiership star Madi Robinson, who missed half the season with an ACL injury.

Her sister Kelsey Browne, who filled in capably during Robinson's absence, will spend her first full season with the Vixens, who also welcome new goal shooter Emma Ryde.

The 19 year-old is 197cm and was a member of the Victorian Fury last year.

But the Vixens' trip to Shepparton did not come without cost, with star shooter Tegan Philip set to miss the entire season after rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament in a hit-out against the Thunderbirds.

Philip is the Vixens' all-time leading goalscorer (with 1477 goals from 72 appearances) and was best on court in the 2014 premiership win.

Watson was hopeful the early setback could be overcome.

The 22-year-old was back in the city last week to speak with students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College's specialist program.

Her links to Sandhurst continue to be a source of pride for the second-year Vixen.

"My dad (Peter) was president there up until last year, my sister coached and my brother plays, so I'm so proud to have played there," she said.

"It's been a huge part of my netball career and gave me a huge kick-start and my first netball opportunities.

"I have had so many good coaches at Sandhurst over the years and played alongside so many great players. 

"I still like to get back there and watch the girls play whenever I can."