Netball Super League | 2023 Season Preview: Strathclyde Sirens

Strathclyde Sirens captain Beth Dix spins the ball on her finger

The only professional netball team in Scotland, Strathclyde Sirens will hope to continue doing their nation proud as they get set for their latest Netball Super League campaign.

Sirens perhaps did not push on as they would have liked in 2022 but under coach Lesley MacDonald, optimism is high for the new season.

And with Scotland having sealed a place in the Netball World Cup this summer, the side’s Scottish contingent will hope to head to South Africa full of confidence after a successful domestic season.

Last Season

It was a topsy-turvy 2022 for Sirens, despite 13 defeats, they demonstrated some impressive form across their 20 matches, ultimately finishing in eighth place.

Most notably there was an impressive 60-44 win over Leeds Rhinos, and they proved tough to beat for the teams that eventually finished below them in the table.

🗣️: “A superb performance from Strathclyde Sirens!”

A clinical display sees the Sirens clinch a win 💥

FINAL SCORE: Wasps 44-50 Sirens pic.twitter.com/UKK4FGP1oP

— Sky Sports Netball (@SkyNetball) February 6, 2022

Sirens did look good at points against the very best, with overall consistency proving a slight issue, but hopes are high that they will be more competitive than ever in 2023.

Signing Window

After the retirement of club legend Gia Abernethy, Sirens have managed to strike a perfect balance between old and new faces ahead of the new season, with a handful of new signings coming in to boost the squad.

Natalie Bright makes a long-awaited return to the team after her previous spell in 2020 was disrupted by Covid.

Abi Robson has also joined the side from Surrey Storm, while the experienced Uganda international Stella Oyella will make her Netball Super League debut after joining the club at the end of the summer.

Star Player

Sirens have even more world-renowned star quality this season thanks to the arrival of She Cranes legend Oyella in the transfer window.

Stella Oyella ballin’ out 🤤@oyellastella21 | @SirensNetball pic.twitter.com/3WKVsEqVJX

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) November 17, 2022

The Ugandan brings rafts of experience to the squad, having represented her nation at two Commonwealth Games and two World Cups, and is considered one of the most dangerous goal attacks in the world.

Just the third woman from her country to play in the NSL, the 33-year-old will be a crucial player for them if they want to fulfill their top-four ambitions.

One to Watch

Bethan Goodwin has been on a consistently upwards trajectory in recent seasons, and at just 23 years old, we may not have seen the best of her quite yet.

Having made herself a crucial player for both club and country in recent years, Goodwin has is one of the best young talents in the Netball Super League and there is no reason why she will not kick on even further in 2023.

Goodwin embraces the mantra that you miss 100% of the shots you do not take, so expect her to seize every opportunity given to her this coming campaign.

What they said

“We have to just keep improving. The top four is looking competitive but I am there and ready to fight,” said Beth Dix.

Your Strathclyde Sirens co-captains 2023✨ Name a better duo…we’ll wait
Read the full story here👇https://t.co/RNjlZqrL4J pic.twitter.com/2XAV4hrpWi

— Strathclyde Sirens (@SirensNetball) February 2, 2023

“There are quite a few new personalities as well as keeping a core group, I think that’s quite exciting – it’s a nice balance between the two.

“We have got some flair players coming in which is exciting, a bit of feistiness about us and I think we are a really dogged team, we are going to go to the end of every game.”

Coach’s Corner

Sirens stalwart Lesley MacDonald continues to lead the side for another season, having coached the team since 2019.

A decorated player in her day with two Commonwealth Games and four World Cups under her belt, she brings an incredible level of experience to her role.

One of the most respected figures in the NSL, MacDonald’s leadership will once again be key this season.