Mildura recruit off to a flying start

ELLIE Vincent and her partner, Jason Robinson, have wasted little time in lighting up the SFNL A Grade netball and senior football season with their adopted club, Mildura.

The pair relocated to Mildura in January after playing in the Geelong District league with Werribee Centrals.

Vincent said the couple “put the feelers” out to a few SFNL clubs on arrival and were picked up by the Demons.

“They have taken us both under their wing and made us feel right at home,” she said of the Dees.

Vincent and Robinson have already put in starring roles in their respective sports as the club enjoys a successful start to the season.

Goal attack Vincent was the Dees’ best in their 15-goal win on Saturday against last year’s grand finalists, Ouyen United.

The win took Mildura to 3-0 and second on the ladder, behind flag favourites, Wentworth (4-0).

At the age of 24, Vincent is one of the more seasoned players in Sharon Watson’s team.

“We’ve got some girls who have just hit their 20s and others who are 18 and 19, and a couple who are 15 and 16, so yeah, I’m one of the senior players now,” she said.

Vincent, who made her A Grade debut in the Geelong league at the age of 17, said the Dees’ style of play was still evolving.

“We’re definitely a fast-paced team, but we’re trying to work on doing the extra passes to get the most out of each other,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if we slowed down a little as we get everyone’s work rate up.”

A fascinating match-up looms in round 9 when the Dees take on the Roos, where Vincent will come up against one of the competition’s best defenders in Nat Vercher.

“Nat and I actually went to school together in Melbourne, so it’ll be good to play against a familiar face,” Vincent said.

“I’m really excited for this match-up. She’s going to be a tough opponent, that’s for sure.

“She has a strong physical presence, which is something I thrive on.”

Off the court, Vincent is a teacher at Trinity College in Mildura. She is also a fitness fanatic, much like Vercher.

“I’m into everything at the moment, from Pilates to doing some CrossFit, normal gym, running and getting in the river,” Vincent said.

“Anything really to make sure I can keep playing at my best.”

However, there is one thing she is struggling with, and that’s playing in the relatively hot late-autumn weather.

“It’s been beautiful weather, but the heat definitely gets to me playing in the peak of it (from noon) every Saturday. I’m not accustomed to it,” she said.

*** As the SFNL netballer of the round, Vincent receives $100 courtesy of Mildura Golf Resort and Sunraysia Daily.