Netball
12 November, 2025
Van Zyl, Price make Strikers emerging squad
After standout netball seasons, Rupanyup’s Ilze Van Zyl and Ararat’s Bridie Price have been selected into the Bendigo Strikers 2026 emerging squad.
The ten-person squad will train under the supervision of the Strikers coaching staff, who led Bendigo to a top-four finish in the Victorian Netball League championship in 2025.
Van Zyl, who primarily plays at goal attack, was happy with the selection and is excited to continue her progression alongside high-level players and coaches.
“It’s great, and it’s an amazing opportunity,” Van Zyl said.
“It’s another thing that I think can help me improve a lot, especially at Bendigo with the higher coaches, higher players.
“I feel like it will help me develop to be an even better player.”
Price played for Ararat’s B grade and under-17 teams in the Wimmera Football Netball League, was part of the Netball Victoria’s Talent Academy, and featured in the Wimmera Mallee under-17s state title team, as well as the WFNL under-17 representative team.
For Van Zyl, 16, the selection caps off an extraordinary year, which included a best on court grand final performance to help Rupanyup win their first Horsham District Football Netball League A grade netball premiership.
In addition to her grand final performance, Van Zyl represented Wimmera Mallee at the under-17 state titles, was part of the 2025 Netball Victoria Talent Academy and also reached the top 50 in the selection process for the Victorian under-17 state team.
The youngster is also currently part of the Horsham Hornets Country Basketball League squad.
Asked about the year’s achievements, Van Zyl admits she is grateful for the various experiences, believing it has helped grow her game.
“I just feel really blessed with everything that’s happened and the opportunities I’ve been given,” Van Zyl said.
“Whether it was playing for Rupanyup A grade, or being able to play at the Netball Victoria Academy, and having opportunities to play there.
“Even having a Vixens coach and an international coach helps us at the academy one day, and she taught us so much stuff.
“It's just really great having all these opportunities to get better as a player, as well as meeting a lot of other people, it's really good.”
Asked about her aims for 2026, Van Zyl said she has her sights set on another A grade premiership for Rupanyup.
“Probably to win the premiership for A grade again,” Van Zyl.
“I’ll also try and get into the Wimmera Mallee team again, but really, any opportunity just to try my best.”