When Rudi Ellis first walked into the State Netball and Hockey Centre as a contracted Vixen, her overarching feeling was of returning home.
Ellis was a training partner for the Vixens from 2018-2019 before heading to the Queensland Firebirds for her first Super Netball contract, and then moving on to West Coast Fever. Now in 2024, she’s reunited with coaches Simone McKinnis and Di Honey after all those years, while also returning to Victoria.
“I’ve always had huge respect for Simone and Di as coaches and the club as a whole,” Ellis said.
“I think being a training partner four years ago, I sort of got a bit of a taste for what it was like at the Vixens. Just also being near family and friends and calling Melbourne home.
“I think from a club perspective, I was just really excited to be back in the Vixens uniform but also from a personal perspective it’s just so nice being near loved ones again.”
Rudi Ellis troubling Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard on the take. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
Having personal support around again has translated to Ellis’ performance on game day. Not to mention being able to play in front of a sold-out Vixens fanbase every week.
“It makes such a difference. I think as a human, I’m a much better player when I’m happy off the court and I feel like it translates on court.
“We’re just so lucky as Vixens to have John Cain Arena as home. I think the crowds have just been phenomenal this year, like sold out crowds almost every game. You really feel like you do have the crowd on your side when you’re playing games here.”
Round One was a full circle moment for Ellis, to finally pull on the team dress and step out on court as Vixen #62, after being a training partner years prior.
“Coming back to the club it didn’t feel like something new, it felt like coming home in a sense. So I think it was a pretty special moment being able to debut alongside Sophie [Garbin] and Zara [Walters] in round one.
“Very, Very Grateful.”
Ellis in Fever colours. Image Shaun Sharp/Moments by Shaun
Before returning home, Ellis had the opportunity to learn and play alongside some of the world’s best defenders, including Courtney Bruce, Sunday Aryang and Stacey Francis-Bayman. She also went head to head with the likes of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Romelda Aiken-George and Gretel Bueta daily at training.
“I think I’ve learned lots with every sort of journey I’ve had at different clubs throughout my netball career. I think being able to practice on the likes of Romelda, Jhaniele and Gretel – they’re all super amazing players.
“I think having that week in, week out practice on them has really helped now, being at the Vixens playing against them.”
Rudi Ellis on debut for the Firebirds. Photo: Simon Leonard
Since making her Vixens debut back in round one Ellis, despite a brief cameo out in wing defence, has mostly held down the goal keeper bib. Ellis has recorded 13 intercepts, 38 deflections and 14 rebounds from the 13 games she’s played this season.
“I think just being given that opportunity to be out there and have solid minutes under my belt has really helped my game. Having such an unreal defensive unit around me has helped lots. Being given that opportunity just gives you confidence as a player.”
Ellis’s cameo in wing defence came with the task to go head to head with Diamonds Captain Liz Watson. While it was a challenge, it was an opportunity that Ellis was grateful for to add another string to her bow.
“It was interesting,” she said.
“I don’t know how well I did on Liz Watson, she’s definitely one of the best wing attacks in the game. So it was hard but I’m really just looking forward to being able to have those opportunities, especially during training to practice different positions because I think the more positions you learn, the better you are for the team and individually. So, definitely will need to keep practicing that one but would love to have another crack at it.”
Rudi Ellis added to her skill set at wing defence against Liz Watson. Image Aliesha Vicars
The Vixens have been overrun by injuries this season with the side only playing three games with their rostered 10 all in the squad, including Saturday’s semi final. To their credit, when someone goes out there is always someone ready to come in. Zara Walters filled the void when Hannah Mundy was out and Sharni Lambden came in and was best on court for the Vixens back in round 10 up against the Lightning.
“I think it’s just credit to the club and the way that trainings are run. I think even our training partners have stepped up this season as well. I think anyone who’s taken the court for our team has done such a good job. So yeah, I think Lily (Graham) absolutely killed it with the Super Shots and Zara who has come back after injury firing.
“I think it’s pretty amazing that we’ve been able to have the success that we have had across the season. I think it’s just the versatility of the group and how hard everyone trains, it’s testament to the way that Simone and Di run the show because I think it’s helped a lot this season with what’s happened.”
The Vixens are currently sitting at one win and one loss against each of the other top four sides. In particular, the round seven win against the Fever in front of a massive Green Army will give the Vixens confidence that they can beat the best teams on the road.
Rudi Ellis getting arms over Shanice Beckford’s shot. Fever and Vixens are one win apiece this season. Image Aliesha Vicars
“I thought that was probably one of our better games of the season, I think everyone through attack to defence did a phenomenal job. I think if we can try and bring that the next time we play them, hopefully we get across the line.
“I think it’s just credit to the way that Vixens have run the show because I think no matter who’s out, who’s not out, we’ve been able to really step up as a team.”
Looking towards the rest of the season and beyond, Ellis is looking forward to being able to develop as a Vixens defensive unit and hopefully bringing some silverware from Adelaide back to Victoria.
“I think just really developing these combinations defensively as a unit at the Vixens. I think probably practicing other positions and trying to become a better version of a wing defender or goal defender, wherever Simone might need me.
“Then just to win a Grand Final with this group of girls would be absolutely unreal. Hopefully moving forward we get across the line and get the opportunity to play in Adelaide again in that grand final spot.”
