The Redan defender has quickly cemented her place as a starting goalkeeper with the Ballarat Sovereigns ahead of the upcoming Victorian Netball League season.

Riley was encouraged to try out for the newly-branded Ballarat team by Lions coach and Sovereigns assistant Kate McMahon – and hasn’t looked back.

The 22-year-old said it was a “fairly big step” from the Ballarat Football League A-grade netball competition to that of the state league environment.

“I was fortunate enough that a few people I play against in the BFL actually play in the VNL, so I had a little bit of experience,” Riley, a premiership player with the Lions, said.

“The major difference is just the speed and there being seven quality players on the court.”

Riley said she had already noticed a big change in her game since joining Sovereigns training during the pre-season.

“I feel like my thought process and decision-making has just completely changed,” she said. “Obviously having Natasha (Chokljat) as the head coach, she has just brought a wealth of experience and knowledge.”

The Sovereigns were treated to a visit from Liz Boniello on Wednesday evening, with the former Australian netballer putting the club’s squads through their paces.

She was at Llanberris alongside Chokljat and Sovereigns high performance manager Eloise Southby, who have also played for the national team.

Ballarat’s VNL season starts with a clash against Peninsula Waves on Saturday, February 7, a game the following morning against Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels and then a round three fixture with DC North East Blaze three days later on the Wednesday in a busy start to the new campaign.

tim oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au