Chelsea Blackman and Tayla Williams return as training partners from 2020, while emerging athletes Lucy Austin, Tyler Orr and Molly Watson have been named for the first time.
Blackman made two Super Netball appearances as a replacement player in the Queensland hub, while Williams travelled with the squad for the full 2020 season, making her debut in Round One and featuring in five games.
Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst is delighted to be welcoming back Blackman and Williams into the squad.
“We’re thrilled to have Chelsea and Tayla return as training partners after both athletes showed really strong signs in 2020,” Obst said.
Austin joins the Thunderbirds environment after being named MVP in South Australia Premier League.
Orr made a name for herself in 2020 after she made her Super Netball debut for the Magpies as a replacement player.
Watson completes the training partner line up after she played a key defensive role for her Premier League team.
“Lucy has been on our radar for a while, showing plenty of potential as she progressed through the Netball SA pathway,” Obst said.
“She came into her own even more in 2020 in the Netball SA Premier League, so we believe she’s ready for the next step.
“We got a glimpse of what Tyler is capable of at SSN level last season when she was named as a temporary replacement player for Collingwood. She is a versatile midcourter with a solid approach to the game.
“Molly stepped up in the Premier League in 2020 as a strong, dynamic defender with the ability to hunt down intercepts.”
In December last year, all five training partners were selected in the 2021 Australian 21 and Under Squad ahead of the Netball World Youth Cup set to take place in December this year.
The Thunderbirds have officially returned to the training track ahead of the 2021 season.
