The Tasmanian 17U and 19U teams will depart for Brisbane on Wednesday, ahead of six days of netball action, against Australia’s best, at the 2019 National Netball Championships.
The championships is set to be hosted by Netball Queensland at the new 44 million-dollar, Queensland State Netball Centre that played host to the #TeamGirls Suncorp Pre-Season Cup.
The teams were selected in October and have been in preparation since late last year, having three sessions before Christmas and training regularly since February. Preparations have included a strong focus on match play, with the teams participating in both South and North RACTI Pre-Season Carnivals, as well as multiple sessions of match play against the Tasmanian Magpies.
The 17U side will be coached by the experienced Dannie Carstens and assisted by first-time State Coach Jamie Easther. The pair work together in the Tasmanian Netball League and will now put their skills to the test as a team at the next level.
The side is full of talented kids, all of whom have experienced nationals before.
Head Coach Dannie Carstens is really proud of what and how the team have prepared up until this point.
“When Jamie and I checked over our long-term planning, which linked with the Tasmanian way document, looking back and checking off, we’ve actually achieved a whole heap of stuff. Up until this point, there isn’t a heap more we can do, its about getting over there and seeing where we’re at.”
“Playing the ANL girls has been one of the best things we’ve done, as it’s really exposed our weaknesses and what we need to do moving forward.”
In looking ahead to the upcoming competition, the sky is the limit.
“I don’t like to put a final finish number on it – we just need to focus on our processes for each game and the outcome will take care of itself.”
“We’ve had a look over the last three year’s result, looking at where we have been and where we need to head to be in order to be really competitive and break out from bottom or second bottom. We’ve used KPI’s throughout the whole program and got the girls to invest them as well” said Carstens.
Both Dannie and Jamie have previously experienced Nationals as athletes as well.
“I think there is an advantage of experiencing the program as both an athlete and coach, as you can relate and empathise to the athletes” said Dannie.
“It helps with being able to build the strong relationships and connections.”
Whilst a team sport and hard to pin-point individuals, co-captains Hannah Lenthall and Charlie Wheller have stood out over the training period.
“Hannah’s work ethic and determination, and overall professionalism to focus on that end point at nationals has been super impressive. And Charlie’s done some great stuff in her preparation as well” noted Carstens.
The 19U side will be led by returning coach Lou Carter and supported by Dan Roden who steps up to State level for the first time.
The team has a good combination of height and speed and has both veteran players, as well as three players stepping up to the National Championships for the first time.
Head Coach Lou Carter was happy to have the girls back from State League last weekend to complete their preparations.
“Preparations have been a little bit mixed, we had some good momentum throughout February and then the girls went back to State League for some match play, but it was great to get the girls back together for some final match play against ANL.”
“Concentration has been on match play throughout the training period, so it has been great to be able to implement our training focus of court connections, dynamics and mechanics.”
“The match play against ANL has been terrific, because we are going to come up against those sized athletes and the speed of the ball and speed of the game” she said.
High standards and expectations relevant to the environment were set amongst the team and were expected throughout the training period as well.
“Historically when we look at our Tasmanian sides, for a few years now we haven’t been progressing, so we are looking to progress and be competitive” said Carter.
Lou is currently in the process of completing her Elite Coaching Accreditation.
“Having not coached a team directly for two years now, I’ve had to do a bit of a refresh. Not much has changed and you don’t forget how to coach, but it’s about practicing the skills of delivering a good message, being very short, sharp and concise.”
“I have been working closely with Jon Fletcher and also went over to Victoria, to the VNL and sat on the bench with Elissa Kent [Melbourne Uni and Tasmanian Magpies Coach]. It’s great to have that connection with the Tasmanian Magpies coach, as we’re hopefully looking and implementing the same style of play as we develop and progress the players through the pathways” she said.
Lou is looking forward to see dark-horse and first time State player Bri Clack put her skills to the test at the championships.
“She is really developing in our state program and is very coachable.”
“Our leaders Ash Probert-Hill and Hayley McDougall, as well as Piper Sanders will all be ones to watch” said Carter.
The teams will begin action at the Championships on Thursday 11th April, through to Tuesday 16th April.
Scores can be followed via the Netball Tasmania’s social media or via mynetball.
TO ACCESS THE FULL FIXTURE/RESULTS CLICK HERE
17U:
Jess Earney
Maddi Hay
Kendall Jones
Dani Laugher
Hannah Lenthall (C)
Ella Marsh
Hayley Older (VC)
Grace Pullen
Tahlia Randall
Megan Steele
Montana Viney
Charlie Wheller (C)
Coach: Dannie Carstens
Assistant Coach: Jamie Easther
Manager: Ann Pearce
Physio: Nick Campbell
Performance Analyst: Nathan Lee
19U:
Ruby Barkmeyer
Brigitte Clack
Alanna Cooper
Felicia Di Carlo
Olivia Ferguson
Hayley McDougall (VC)
Laura Phair
Ashleigh Probert-Hill (C)
Mackenzie Queen
Piper Sanders
Hannah Steinhauser
Lucy Street
Coach: Lou Carter
Assistant Coach: Dan Roden
Manager: Narelle Cameron
Physio: Emily Khalfan
Performance Analyst: Nathan Lee
