Five Sainters Re-Commit for 2023

19/12/2022

Five Sainters – Ebony Nixon, Georgia McLean, Tayla Kearns, Ali Hynes and Bec Neaves re-commit, kicking off our VFLW squad ahead of the 2023 season. 

Ebony Nixon

Nixon played 10 games in season 2022, including the Grand Final, and averaged 10.2 disposals, despite suffering injury that kept her on the side lines for a number of weeks. She is an experienced VFLW player, and a great user of the ball, providing run & carry out of defence. 

Nixon's passion for Aussie Rules, leadership, and high standards at training make her a very valuable player to have in the team, and we are very excited to have her back for 2023.

Georgia McLean

McLean played 17 games throughout 2022, including the Grand Final. She is renowned for her consistency and versatility and can play on both taller and smaller forwards, fulfilling her role as a defender.

McLean is a very popular & reliable teammate and we look forward to seeing McLean back in action in the 2023 season.

Tayla Kearns

Kearns played an important role in our forward line in 17 games in 2022, including the Grand Final, averaging 10.2 disposals and finishing the year as our Leading Goal Kicker with 15 goals. Kearns also finished equal fifth in the 2022 Southern Saints Best & Fairest.

Kearns is one of the quickest players at the Club with her speed and acceleration providing spark to the team, as well as being very good in the air. We can’t wait to see her dominate our forward line again in 2023. 

Ali Hynes

Hynes played all 18 games in 2022 and her explosive competitiveness in the middle of the ground & backline often gave her teammates first use of the ball. 

Hynes spent her season through the backline for the vast majority, whilst also being used in the ruck at times and proving a very good asset in both positions.

Hynes finished third in the 2022 Southern Saints Best and Fairest and was previously voted Best Emerging Player in 2021. We’re excited to have her back in 2023. 

Bec Neaves

Neaves was a member of the Leadership Group in 2022 and played in all 18 matches, averaging 14.2 disposals. Known for her leadership and consistency, she will continue to play a very important role in the 2023 season. 

Finishing equal fifth in the 2022 Southern Saints Best & Fairest, Neaves adds plenty of versatility to the team playing through midfield, wing and dropping in defence. Neaves was a very consistent contributor throughout the season, specifically in the finals. 

Neaves was also awarded the Sainter of Year Award, alongside Hannah Stuart and Deanna Jolliffe. We look forward to Neaves being part of the Southern Saints again in 2023. 

Written by Sandringham Football Club Media