Geelong Cougars' Emma Stacey ready for 2021 Victorian Netball League season

The South Warrnambool defender was picked as a bottom-age prospect this year but coronavirus restrictions forced the Victorian Netball League to cancel its season.

Stacey, 17, has been invited back for the 2021 campaign.

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She said she was "super excited" to play in the statewide competition and understanding of the heavy workload.

Stacey will combine her netball training with year 12 studies, work at BCF in Warrnambool and in Timboon Ice Cream's van at festivals and markets.

The Emmanuel College student said she was bracing herself for a step up in intensity.

"In local it's competitive but going up further it's more competitive and you're there to win every week," Stacey said.

Stacey said she hoped her versatility would ensure she received ample court time for the Cougars, who play the majority of their games on Wednesday nights.

"In juniors I was initially a goal attack and shooter but the last couple of years I've developed more into a defender and have just stuck down in defence," she said.

"I don't mind where I play, it depends what team and where they want me."

Stacey, whose final 17 and under Hampden league season was lost due to the pandemic, is eager to put her energy into cementing an open grade spot next year.

"It is going to be tough because it's open and I am playing against adults and I am one of the youngest," she said.

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"It is proving to (coach) Leesa (Battistello) I am worth a position in open, I'll listen to her and do everything I can to develop."

Battistello took on the Roosters' coaching gig this year but is still waiting to oversee her first game after the season was scrapped.

Stacey believes Battistello will bring out the group's best.

"I love Leesa and all her training and her passion towards netball," she said.

"It's just amazing how she puts all that time and effort in on court and off court to show us how to make the netball positive."

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