Whittlesea’s Tara Watson has been selected as one of Melbourne Vixens’ training partners for 2025—a step closer to her dream of competing at the highest level of netball.
As one of three new faces and one returning player, Watson will train alongside the Vixens’ squad of 10 during pre-season and throughout the regular season, giving her the chance to fully immerse herself in the team’s environment.
The 19-year-old has been a standout talent, earning a spot in every Victorian state team and national squad since 2021.
Watson has also been a key member of the Vixens Academy under the expert guidance of Susan Meaney since 2022. This year, Watson further showcased her potential with impressive performances for the Victorian Fury in the 2024 SN Reserves competition.
Watson said the Vixens pathway was an opportunity she had always dreamt about.
“It’s something I’ve always aimed for since I was a little girl, like being a part of the squad,” she said.
“Obviously I’m not in the team yet, but being a training partner means I’m one step closer.
“I’m lucky to be able to meet the people that I get to in sport, and I think being able to work with the Vixens now and train alongside them is surreal … they were my idols growing up.
“I’m super excited and so grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t really believe it.”
A dynamic defensive midcourter, Watson played her first season this year in the championship division for North East Blaze in the Victorian Netball League (VNL).
Watson expressed her hopes of elevating her game both on and off the court through the Vixens’ training partnership, while also building connections with some of her biggest idols.
“I think getting used to the environment and what it takes to be a professional athlete—that’s something I’m really keen to get used to and get exposed to,” she said.
“It’s also great because it’ll introduce us to the elite environment and hopefully make the transition easier for us when we do head into the actual teams later on.
“I’ve looked up to all of [the players], but mostly when I was younger, my idol was Kate Moloney.
“I haven’t trained with her yet because she’s been away with the Diamonds, but I’m looking forward to training with her.”
Pursuing her netball dream with unwavering determination, Watson said the ‘ultimate goal’ was to take the sport to a professional level, playing first for the Suncorp Super Netball League, and then the Australian Diamonds.
“As I kept getting older and progressing, it started to become a little bit more of a dream and a goal because it was becoming more of a reality,” she said.
“As I got older, I fell more in love with it, and I’m very competitive, so I love that side of it—wanting to push myself to be better.”
