West Coast Fever officially sign Rudi Ellis for next two Super Netball seasons

Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Camera IconWest Coast Fever have confirmed they have signed Rudi Ellis for the next two seasons. Credit: ALBERT PEREZ/AAPIMAGE

West Coast Fever have officially confirmed the signing of former Queensland Firebirds defender Rudi Ellis as their big acquisition of this off-season.

As revealed by The West Australian earlier this month, Ellis has signed a two-year deal to play for the WA club, which will see her live in the state her partner, Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English, was raised in.

The 24-year-old joins Fever after two seasons and 17 games for the Firebirds and was named in the 2021-22 Australian Development Squad.

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Ellis joins captain Courtney Bruce, three-time reigning Stacey Marinkovich medallist Jhaniele Fowler and midcourt star Verity Charles as official signings for next year, with young defender Olivia Lewis the only confirmed omission after signing with Melbourne Vixens.

The West Australian understands there is likely to be no other changes to the squad which won a club-record 11 home-and-away games and played in a preliminary final this season.

Only Lewis was given a farewell gift at the Netball WA awards on Friday night, indicating Sasha Glasgow, Alice Teague-Neeld, Emma Cosh, Stacey Francis-Bayman, Sunday Aryang and Jess Anstiss will all re-sign before the October 8 deadline.

Ellis said she was looking forward to making the move west and playing with Fever in front of the “Green Army”.

“It’s going to be great coming into the Fever environment with a team that has been building these past few years, but with a new coach that offers a new perspective,” she said.

“I think being a part of such a successful team with what seems to be an amazing club culture was the biggest drawcard for me.

“Also being able to learn and play with some of Australia’s best circle defenders in Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang, as well as practising week in and out on one of the world’s best shooters, Jhaniele Fowler.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know the team, coaches and support staff. I’m not afraid of new challenges and although my time in Perth has been limited, I have family and friends in WA and I cannot wait to call it my home.”

WA shooter Donnell Wallam is yet to find a full-time contract at any Super Netball clubs for next season, despite dominating in the WANL with consecutive Jill McIntosh medals in 2019 and 2020 as well as staring for Leeds Rhinos in England this year.

Wallam was a training partner for Fever this season.

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