ACU Sovereigns have landed two big signings with former Australian Diamonds Renae Ingles and Demelza Fellowes coming on board for the 2017 Victorian Netball League season.
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Fellowes played nine matches for Australia, with the goal-keeper representing the Diamonds as recently as 2013, as well as more than a decade of ANZ Championship matches.
While Ingles boasts a decorated career which began in 2002 where she captained the under-16 Australian team. The dynamic mid-courter was named the international player of the year in 2009 and won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2014.
Both girls will be significant acquisitions to the championship line-up.
Fellowes, who did not play in this year’s ANZ championship, rediscovered her passion for netball after a season out of the game. After watching the ANZ Championships finals series it ignited the spark to return to the game and the opportunity to be a part of a developing culture and young list appealed to Fellowes.
"One of the biggest things was just to get that netball fire going again, I had 12 months away and it was towards the end of the ANZ championships finals this year and I started to feel a bit of fomo about playing,” Fellowes said speaking at the club’s preseason camp.
"That's when I knew it was right to do it. I've always thought if the fire is burning I would enjoy it.
“I thought why not be a part of something great, a young club, a regional club...being part of regional Victoria is important to me.
“They're young so you can be a part of starting a culture from now onwards and hopefully I can contribute something to the group.”
Fellowes believes her long involvement with the game at such a high level will help show the young Sovereigns group what it takes to make it at the next level and is hoping to instill a winning culture at the club.
"I feel like I've got a bit of experience...so that little bit of magic you get from being in those environments, I can bring some of that and show the girls what it takes to get there.
“For me to have 18 years in elite sport and be so blessed to play for quite successful teams, the person you become is second nature to having that culture of success, to have that understanding of what it takes to be up the top and not be mediocre. I'm hoping by my behaviors and actions it can rub off on the group.”