Youthful Squad Named for 2011 Fever

The West Coast Fever have named a youthful side for the 2011 ANZ Championship, including the younger sister of star defender Josie Janz, Alicia.

A South East Demons representative and wing defender, Alicia has proved her maturity and physicality on-court throughout this season, in particular during the Australia Netball League.

Sister Josie remains on the sidelines after electing to have the LARS knee surgery in Round 5 last season. And while Josie is on the path to recovery, West Coast Fever coach Jane Searle has opted to boost her defensive ranks.

16-year old schoolgirl Courtney Bruce has been rewarded with a fulltime contract after replacing the injured Janz in 2010. For Bruce, who will continue to combine netball with study, it is an opportunity to learn from one of the best defender’s in the world – current Australian Diamond Susan Fuhrmann.

The other new face in the squad is former Melbourne Vixen Ashlee Howard, while an extension has been granted to replace defender Emma Beckett who has been forced into retirement by her persistent knee problems.

2011 WEST COAST FEVER SQUAD:

Caitlin Bassett (WAIS)

Shae Bolton (WAIS)

Courtney Bruce (WAIS)

Johannah Curran (WAIS)

Sarah Ebbott (WAIS)

Susan Fuhrmann (WAIS)

Andrea Gilmore (WAIS)

Ashlee Howard

Alicia Janz (WAIS)

Josie Janz (WAIS)

Leah Shoard

Coach: Jane Searle