Davies excited to take on premier challenge as South Coast Blaze name inaugural team

But when the opportunity to play for the South Coast Blaze in their first season in the Netball NSW Premier League arose, Davies did not hesitate to jump at it.

Having spent so much time playing in Sydney, the Illawarra product can't wait to represent her home in the elite competition.

"I'm a local girl and I'm really excited to come back home and play down here," Davies said. "I've been playing up in Sydney the last couple of years, so it's exciting for someone like me, who's been around for a couple of years to move back home.

"It's also really important for our pathways and the younger talent coming through. It's really important girls have players they can look up to, the Blaze is something they can set their sights on.

"Keeping local talent down here and bringing talent back home is very important and sets us up for a great future down here."

Davies' comments came as the Blaze officially announced their opens and under 23 teams for the upcoming Premier League.

Both squads are filled with the best netballers the South Coast has to offer, with the opens side featuring a mix of youth and experience.

Read more: Hearn holds his nerve as University claim Cricket Illawarra Twenty20 title

Davies is joined in the opens team by Kristina Brice and Tayla Fraser as three players boasting Super Netball experience. The trio will play alongside emerging teenage talents including Annalise Chadrawy, the youngsters set to take on the state's top netballers.

South Coast coach Marji Parr said Monday was a monumental day for netball in the Illawarra.

"It's a milestone day for netball throughout the South Coast," Parr said. "Importantly it's a milestone for elite athletes of our region, with a pathway now in place.

"I'd like to think this could be a step towards a possible Super Netball franchise. It's something that's been thrown around in the past.

"Hopefully what we're forging ahead with is new opportunities inside the Blaze, for our region and not only inside the franchise but also other programs we're looking to develop and commence in coming seasons.

"We're looking forward to seeing how well we'll be able to compete. Bringing attention to our region and the ability of our athletes is our key focus at this point."

The squads have two months to prepare for the season, with the first game to be played in late April.

This period will be a busy one for the 24-year-old, Davies focused on the AFLW campaign before she turns her full attention to the Blaze.

"I'm juggling everything well at the moment," Davies said. "I'm lucky to have supportive teams, everyone's really understanding.

"AFLW is currently the priority for me, it's such a short season. I'm giving everything to that, but once it's over, I'll knuckle down on the netball court and join the girls.

"I'm looking forward to coming back to the Blaze, pushing myself and setting us up for a good couple of months."

Opens: Katelyn BEGLEY, Brittany BERRY, Chelsea BOLTON, Te-Arn BRADLEY, Kristina BRICE, Annalise CHADRAWY, Kristen CHADRAWY, Laura DAVENPORT, Taylah DAVIES, Tayla FRASER, Shelby MALLON, Abbey MCFADDEN, Elecia PARROTT, Peti TALANOA, Chaise VASSALLO

Under 23s: Abbey BAKER, Jessica BOWDEN, Chloe BURDEN, Selene CHADRAWY, Emily DUNN, Mia EVANS, Sophie FAWNS, Clare MCCROHON, Bilyana MILEVSKI, Lauryn NETO, Ky-Mani SCHWENKE, Ashleigh SELWYN, Kiah YEALLAND

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.