2018 Magpies best and fairest winner, Ash Brazill, has penned a new two year contract and she will share the court over that time with two-time Suncorp Super Netball champion and recent Samsung Diamonds selection Kelsey Browne.
The news comes only a few days after the Magpies released the information that captain Madi Robinson, mid-court star Kim Ravaillon and outstanding young defender Matilda Garrett had signed new contracts.
Six of the 10 places on the squad for next year are now settled, with Jamaican shooter Shimona Nelson signing on for two seasons.
After two championship winning seasons in Queensland with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, Browne returns to her home state where she will be reunited with her sister, Collingwood mid-court star Madi Robinson. The sisters were last together in 2016 as Melbourne Vixens.
An extremely quick and classy wing attack, Browne shone in the recent Suncorp Super Netball finals series to the point that the Australian selectors called her into the Diamonds squad for the upcoming Quad Series and Constellation Cup.
Brazill produced a career best season in 2018 to claim her first Magpies best and fairest award. A highly popular member of the squad, Brazill is a foundation Magpie who stands to become a leader under new coach Rob Wright.
General Manager of Magpies Netball, Jennifer McIntyre, said that the complexion of Wright’s first squad was beginning to take shape.
“We’ve retained much of our core group – Madi, Ash, Kim and Matilda – and added an outstanding young shooter in Shimona and one of the best young mid-court players in the country in Kelsey,” McIntyre said.
“I think the blend of experience and youth and depth across the court is pleasing. Certainly, Ash re-committing is fantastic, not just because of the player she is but because of the faith it demonstrates in the program.
“And Kelsey has worked so hard to become an outstanding player. Her commitment to her craft and the game is just so impressive.
“We’re thrilled with the signings of both girls and look forward to completing the squad very soon.”
