Poppy Gilfillan-Silk, Monet Lyle join Oakdale for Netball SA Premier League season 2023

Two of SA netball’s brightest young stars have joined a new Premier League club for season 2023 as the side aims to challenge in finals.

Two rising stars in SA netball have joined a new Premier League club as it bolsters its troops for what should be an exciting 2023 season.

Goaler Poppy Gilfillan-Silk, 18, and mid-courter Monet Lyle, 19, have both joined Oakdale from Metro Jets in a major coup for the club.

Gilfillan-Silk experienced a breakout season through 2022, standing out as an impactful goal attack and goal shooter as she achieved success for the SA U19 team, the gold medal-winning Southern Force Australian Netball Championships team, and also training with the Thunderbirds and Australia U19s.

Lyle also showed significant development last season, her versatility through the mid-court also earning her a spot in the state side and Southern Force team.

“It was a really hard decision to make, I had so many great opportunities at Metro Jets and I love everyone at the club, but I guess I saw the opportunities at Oakdale and what I could add to my game,” Gilfillan-Silk said.

Former Metro Jets young gun Poppy Gilfillan-Silk has joined Oakdale for Netball SA Premier League season 2023. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“Being able to work with players like Asha Thurlow in the goal circle and train with Jordan Vivian as well, I think it’s going to be good for me and I’m excited by the opportunity.”

Gilfillan-Silk – who shot 216 goals in 268 attempts last Premier League season - was excited by the prospect of joining Metro Jets teammate Lyle at Oakdale.

She believed their partnership could boost the club on and off the floor.

“I’m so pleased to have Monet coming with me,” Gilfillan-Silk said.

Monet Lyle will join teammate Gilfillan-Silk at Oakdale. Picture: Sarah Reed/Netball SA

“We have such a strong connection on and off the court and she’s just such a good team player as well so I think we can add another dynamic to the team.

“We work really well together whether it be at training or on game day.”

Oakdale finished fifth in season 2022, just missing finals on percentage, and will be looking to progress into the top four in 2023.

Gilfillan-Silk believed her new team had the talent for a deep finals run.

“We have such a good team,” she said.

“We can challenge in finals with the team we have and I’m just so excited to see what we can achieve.”