eXtreme make squad change ahead of BPL17
The Melbourne eXtreme have made a change to its roster for next month’s #BPL17 at the Moama Bowling Club with Natasha Van Eldik replacing one of the franchise’s foundation players in Carla Krizanic.
Krizanic retired from international duties late in 2022 and will take an extended leave of absence from the sport in general as she aims to spend time with her young family and resume her career outside of bowls, which leaves the door open for Van Eldik to return to the tournament.
The Right at Home Jackaroo has previously represented the Melbourne Pulse and Moama Steamers, participating in the BPL13 and BPL14 grand finals for the latter.
After missing BPL16 in November with an injury, Van Eldik is looking forward to teaming up with Matthew Flapper and Ali Forsyth on the Murray in February, but is nervous to fill the void left by Krizanic at the Club Sunbury franchise.
“I’m over the moon and excited to play in the BPL again after a bit of disappointment having to miss the November one with a knee injury but we’re back bigger and stronger,” Van Eldik said.
“It suits me playing with these two guys, I’ve played with Ali at Clayton before so we know each other’s games and Matty is a legend in the BPL so to be on their team is exciting and I really look forward to it.
“To be honest I’m really nervous, Carla is a great player in her own right and she has played and represented Sunbury so well, so I’ve got some big shoes to fill but being a good friend of hers I will take the opportunity with both hands to try and do her and the team proud as well.”
Krizanic is content with her decision to step away from the event, citing the fact that her primary focus has now turned to her family and employment away from bowls, but despite that she intends on becoming the eXtreme’s number one supporter.
“I have loved playing the BPL, it’s the best event there is, I really enjoy it and it’s been a fantastic experience,” she said.
“But I’m going back to work now and I’ve got two young children at home so I can’t really put in the commitment to make sure that I’m playing well enough when the BPL will be on.
“I love the eXtreme too much to go in and not perform well so I’m happily going to step aside for Tash, she is more than capable of stepping into the role and I know that she will do a fantastic job.
“I’ll certainly miss playing but I’m looking forward to supporting them instead and I’m now officially their biggest fan.”
BPL17 is scheduled for February 20-24, 2023, with 24 hours of live broadcast on Fox Sports, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ across Tuesday to Friday evenings from 4pm-10pm AEDT, 3pm-9pm AEST.
