Super Netball 2024: Melbourne Vixens young gun Zara Walters on her return from injury and form ahead of finals

Zara Walters thought a rookie Super Netball season had passed her by, cruelled by injury, but on return from injury the 20-year-old has stood out, indicating she could be a vital component in the Vixens finals’ assault.

Melbourne Vixens young gun Zara Walters feared her rookie Super Netball campaign could be over when she was sidelined with a back injury early in the season but the midcourter now looms as a finals X-factor.

After an eye-catching performance in just her second game back from injury, Walters said a line had initially been drawn through her season when her impressive start to her first year with the Vixens was brought to a sudden halt.

Having been sidelined since round 4 with a lower back injury, Walters returned in round 12 against the Thunderbirds before starting at wing attack in last weekend’s loss to the West Coast Fever in the absence of the injured Hannah Mundy.

The 20-year-old was a shining light in the one-goal loss to the Fever and finished the match as the highest-ranked Vixens player on court with 28 goal assists and 48 feeds.

Walters’ performance drew strong praise from Vixens coach Simone McKinnis and the rising star said she was determined to seize her opportunities.

“It was very disappointing for Hannah to be out but I think it creates opportunity and you have to take those opportunities when they come,” Walters said.

Walters is determined to seize this opportunity presented at the back end of the Super Netball season. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“I only found out late in the week (she was out), so it was quick to get your head around that you were starting but I think we all prepare in different ways and it was nice to get out there and start.

“I did not think that I would be coming into games starting but there have been a few injuries (this year) and that has created a few opportunities.

“But I think it has made it so easy when you have players like Sophie Garbin, Kiera Austin next to you, Kate Moloney, like huge names and they make it a lot easier to slot in.

“It is a luxury to be able to feed them. They make us look good, which is nice.”

Walters got her call-up to the Melbourne Vixens this season after she starred at last year’s Australian Netball Championships.

The Colac player made an instant impression at the pre-season Team Girls Cup and got an early on-court call-up at wing attack when Mundy missed the first two rounds through injury.

The speedy young talent looked immediately at home in Super Netball with 26 goal assists and 40 feeds on debut against the Mavericks.

Less than three weeks later, Walters was ruled out of the Vixens’ clash in round 4 against the Firebirds with a lower back injury.

She missed eight rounds and feared her season could be over.

Walters starred in the Vixens’ loss to the West Coast Fever last week. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“I was really happy with how I started the season, three good games and then a bit of a disappointing injury,” Walters said.

“When I kind of found out about it, we did rule the season out. So to get back in round 12 was a huge achievement, so I was really happy with that.

“There are just a few hot spots, so that’s it. It’s just an ongoing one. We’re keeping on top of it and hopefully we don’t have any more flare-ups.

“It has been great to be back out there in the lead-up to finals, getting back out there and creating those connections again with the girls.”

McKinnis hailed Walters’ 60-minute performance against the Fever and the dedication the rookie showed to her rehabilitation.

“The first time she added some match play to her rehab, it was like she hadn’t missed a beat,” McKinnis said.

“And last week (against Thunderbirds) I thought she was really good as well.

“She just takes it on, there is no fear. She’s excited about any challenge that comes.

“I don’t think I’ve ever come across anybody who was as professional as diligent and just so good about rehab … being there, being positive.

“She’s just a great person, really good person, great quality person and she’s a really good player, so it’s nice to have her back.”

Walters’ form will give McKinnis and her coaching staff a pleasant selection puzzle and options when Mundy returns from injury for the finals.

But the youngster said she was happy to play whatever role was required.

“I think you have to play your role in the team whether that’s on the court or on the bench,” Walters said.

“We have got such depth in our team that you can be put on the bench and you have to accept that and I think Hannah has been playing awesome so she deserves that (starting spot) as well.

“Everyone has their own individual role and everyone plays it well, so just taking that opportunity when it comes is the best thing to do.”

Originally published as Super Netball 2024: Melbourne Vixens young gun Zara Walters on her return from injury and form ahead of finals