Magpies Netball training partner Melissa Bragg will take the next step with the club in 2020, earning her first full Suncorp Super Netball contract.
The versatile Victorian defender, who was called into action four times for the Magpies this year, is the latest signing for the club as it chases its first Super Netball title after crashing out in the first week of finals this year.
Bragg, a training partner for the past two seasons, captained the Tasmanian Magpies side in the underpinning Australian Netball League in 2019, leading them to a semi-final berth after triumphing last year.
Collingwood General Manager of Women’s Sport, Jane Woodlands-Thompson, said the club was tipping big things for the rising wing defence/goal defence.
“Mel has grown as a player so much over the past year and has proven to us she is the right fit for what we are trying to create at the club,” Woodlands-Thompson said.
“This year Mel has stepped up in times when we were one player short and we were super impressed by her advanced defensive skillset.
“Mel will be one to watch in 2020.”
Bragg's signing comes in the wake of the announcements that midcourter Kim Ravaillion and defender April Brandley are both pregnant and will miss the upcoming season.
Ravaillion revealed over the weekend that she and partner, AFL star Adam Treloar, are expecting their first child.
In a statement, the Magpies said Ravaillion would "place her career on hold for 2020", but did not indicate whether she would be returning to the club post-pregnancy.
“We’re delighted for Kim and her partner Adam as they prepare to become parents,” Woodlands-Thompson said.
“Kim was one of our foundation players at the club. She came into the netball scene as a young, fresh midcourter and we have enjoyed seeing her develop into a world class athlete.”
“We wish her and Adam all the best for the future.”
Bragg's signing brings the number of Magpies to have signed on for next year to eight, and continues the homegrown flavour of their off-season recruiting.
Emerging goaler Gabby Sinclair re-signed with the club in recent weeks, while fellow Victorian Molly Jovic has been recruited as an injury replacement player for Kelsey Browne, who is expected to miss most of next season as she recovers from an ACL injury.
The Magpies are yet to announce Brandley's replacement, and also have another unfilled spot in the midcourt, having not yet signed veteran wing attack Madi Browne.
