Two Phoenix stars call it a day

Kirsten Martin and Melanie Vivian, both members of the history making 2005 Commonwealth Bank Trophy Premiers, Melbourne Phoenix have retired from national league netball.

Both players leave the Phoenix with a combined total of over 100 games of experience at the CBT level.

Whilst both players were not regular members of the starting seven for Phoenix, both will sorely missed by players, coaches and support staff as co-captain Eloise Southby-Halbish was quick to highlight.

"Krusty (Martin) is a fantastic player and I remember her being such a great young state player - even before I started playing netball."

"After many years of representing Victoria together at the junior levels, I knew she (Vivian) could be an important member of our team."

Martin, who represented her state at the Australian Championships in 1998 and her country at under 21 level in 1995, is someone who Southby-Halbish believes would have been an integral part of any netball team.

"She reads the play so well and is always there for support, no matter what."

Although the Phoenix have very much an established goal shooting due in Southby-Halbish and Sharelle McMahon, Martin still has exceptional skills and performed creditable whenever she was on court coming off the bench.

"She is a very accurate shot, and works tirelessly at training giving her all at every session."

Martin is also a health professional and has been able to effectively manage both, despite the amount of training undertaken by an elite level netballer.

"Kirsten is a fine example of someone who excels in both life and netball as she is a fully qualified physio."

Vivian, who was a regular mid court player for the Phoenix prior to taking all of 2004 to travel was a former team mate of Southby-Halbish at both state and club level.

"Melanie is very fit, and works hard all the time, and sets a very good example to younger members of the squad. She always has a smile on her face and is a great team member."

In other netball news, the Queensland Firebirds have signed a legend of New South Wales netball in former CBT player Jo Morgan.

Morgan, who made a comeback to state representative netball at the Australian Championships earlier this year, will be a welcome addition to a Firebirds squad that has previously looked too much towards Carla Dziwocki and inexperienced goal shooter Alissa Castrisos.

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