Southern Steel fan-favourite Carys Stythe has signed with the Melbourne Vixens.

She spent two breakout seasons with the Steel in 2025-26, where she earned her Silver Ferns call up.

The effervescent defender joins Australian Diamond veteran Jo Weston and Ash Ervin, who has moved from the Sunshine Coast Lightning, in the Vixens defensive circle.

The 23-year-old has earned six caps for the Silver Ferns and was part of the Commonwealth Games gold-medal winning campaign, where she went viral for her energetic support and celebrations.

It comes as Southern Steel captain Kimiora Poi announced she has signed with the Queensland Firebirds.

The midcourter adds to the New Zealand exodus already at the Firebirds, including Silver Fern Kelly Jackson, former Silver Fern and Steel shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit and coach Kiri Wills.

It will be Poi’s second stint in Australia having previously been an injury replacement for the now defunct Collingwood Magpies in 2019.

The 28-year-old spent six seasons with the Mainland Tactix before joining the Steel last year.

She has earned 32 caps for the Silver Ferns and was part of their Commonwealth Games gold medal winning campaign in Glasgow.

Poi is the third Steel player to confirm her departure amid the uncertainty of next season in New Zealand.

Georgia Heffernan inked a two-year deal with the Sunshine Coast Lightning and defender Jess Milne signed with the Birmingham Panthers in the United Kingdom.

Maddy Gordon and Ameliaranne Ekenasio (West Coast Fever), Karin Burger (Lightning) have already signed in Australia and Kate Heffernan and Grace Nweke are expected to re-sign this week.

Carys Stythe, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Amelia Walmsley have also been tipped to be signing in Australia.

Saviour Tui, Holly Mather (Cardiff Dragons), Tiana Metuarau (Panthers) and Charlotte Manley (Leeds Rhinos) have signed in the UK.