Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
Teenage all-rounder Ella Hayward has pledged her future to the Melbourne Renegades, signing a three-year contract extension.
The 18-year-old will now remain in red until at least the end of WBBL|10.
One of five Indigenous players in the WBBL last summer, the Jawoyn woman established herself as a regular member of the Renegades’ line-up while completing her Year 12 VCE exams on the road with the team.
“I’m super excited to be re-signing with the Renegades. I’ve had a great time so far, so to get to re-sign is a really good opportunity for me. I love the environment and the culture here, so I’m excited to be part of that for another three years,” Hayward said.
“To get plenty of opportunity with the ball and even some with the bat was a really good experience. I just grew my confidence as each game went on and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing many more games.”
Hayward has played 19 WBBL matches over her first two seasons, including 11 last year.
The emerging Victorian off-spinner was given plenty of responsibility by captain Sophie Molineux and coach Simon Helmot, trusted to bowl in the power play and to the opposition’s best players.
Among her wickets in WBBL|07 were Australian stars – and Victorian teammates – Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.
“I’m looking to improve every year, every game and learn as much as I can. It’s an amazing experience getting to bowl to some of the players I get to bowl to and it can be a challenge, but I just want to continue to improve my game and I’m really looking forward to doing that,” Hayward said.
“He instils a lot of belief in me, ‘Helmo’, and I’m very lucky to have him as a coach. He’s backed me in from day one and has been very supportive, I’ve learned a lot off him and he gives me a lot of belief and confidence.”
Hayward’s re-signing adds to the Renegades’ already strong spin stocks, led by Molineux and vice-captain Georgia Wareham.
“Ella has shown plenty of promise over the past two seasons and we’re excited to watch her continue to grow over the next three years as a Renegade,” General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“At 18 years of age, she has already proven she can match it with some of the best players in the world
“Ella is one of Australia’s most talented young spin bowlers and has a fantastic attitude and drive to constantly improve as a player.
“We believe as she continues to develop with both bat and ball, that she can become a genuine all-round option for us in the years ahead.”
WBBL|08 Squad (so far): Sophie Molineux (C), Josie Dooley, Ellie Falconer, Ella Hayward, Harmanpreet Kaur, Carly Leeson, Rhiann O’Donnell, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb
