A HOST of central Victorian players will be hoping to make their mark when the 2017 Victorian Netball League season gets underway on Wednesday.
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Several BFNL and former Bendigo players have found their way into squads across the 10-team competition.
Melbourne University appears a popular destination with joint Sandhurst coach Heather Oliver and Gisborne's Madeline Stewart chosen in the Lightning's open squad.
Oliver was the BFNL's best and fairest winner in 2015, while Stewart was runner-up in the award last season.
The Lightning start the year as defending champions after their 53-52 grand final win over City West Falcons last August.
Their division one squad includes Kangaroo Flat centre and 2017 season captain Chelsea Sartori, former Sandhurst goal shooter Annie Cobbledick, who lined up alongside sister Liz at Colbinabbin a fortnight ago, and Maddison Gay, who was part of Gisborne's finals team last season.
Melinda Luke, who was joint winner of last seasons' BFNL 17-and-under best and fairest, is part of the club's Lightning Bolts development team.
Two-time Kangaroo Flat premiership coach Janelle Hobbs remains as an assistant coach with the Lightning.
At Boorondara Express, where former Sandhurst, Strathfieldsaye and North Central coach Melissa Ryan is an assistant, Gisborne newcomer Ella Bertacchini is part of the open squad that also includes former Kangaroo Flat junior Monica Wellington, Steph Gorrie (formerly Echuca) and Rochester's Ash Bradley.
New Golden Square coach Allira Holmes is a member of Ballarat Sovereigns' open squad, alongside her former Bulldogs teammate Ashley Ryan, who is now at Eaglehawk.
Their under-19 squad includes Eaglehawk goal attack Abbey Ryan and Mitiamo's Julia Twigg.
A year after playing in the 19-and-under VNL grand final last season against Geelong Cougars, Sandhurst's Meg Williams returns for DC North East Blaze.
Another young star of the BFNL competition, Kangaroo Flat goal shooter Ruby Barkmeyer starts the season in the Geelong Cougars 19-and-under team.
At Monash University Storm, Eaglehawk defender Zoe Davies has been elevated from division one to championship for this season.
Kangaroo Flat B-grade coach Shellie Davies is an assistant with the Storm's 19-and-under team.
Former Sandhurst and Eaglehawk shooter Danielle Wilson has a new VNL home after crossing from Southern Saints to City West Falcons.
