Tasmania and Victoria state teams to compete in Hobart to boost preparations for the National Netball Championships in 2024
Tasmanian and Victorian 17&U and 19&U state teams gear up to face off in an inaugural netball camp dubbed the Bass Strait Battle. This 6-game showcase is set to take place on the 10th and 11th of February at the South East Stadium in Sorell. This event promises a weekend of intense competition, camaraderie, and valuable learning experiences for both teams. This opportunity has been forged in collaboration with Netball Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government and Netball Victoria, with each party thrilled to amplify preparation for the 2024 championships.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to visit Hobart and gain some valuable match practice against the Tasmanian State Team athletes. It is an important step in our preparation for the 2024 National Netball Championships, and we extend our gratitude and thanks to the Tasmanian government and Netball Tasmania for supporting this initiative" says Megan Simpson, the Netball Victoria General Manager of High Performance & Pathways.
Hosting Victoria’s 17’s & 19’s at home is a critical part of Tasmania’s NNC preparation. Traditionally Tasmania’s NNC teams have had very limited opportunity for high-quality match play before arriving at the NNC tournament and this is a big step forward for the program and both player and coach development.
"The desire to continuously improve in all aspects, as shown in recent years, is the major focus of all of our Tasmania Underage State Teams. To do this, regularly experiencing high-level competition is vital. The opportunity to play Victoria in the early stages of our team preparation, something we have never done previously, will prove to be invaluable in launching our attack on this year’s championships" states Netball Tasmania’s High-Performance Head Coach, Jon Fletcher.
For the Tasmania Underage State Teams, the chance to compete against Victoria is a significant milestone. The commitment to development in every aspect of the game and the pursuit of excellence have been evident in recent years, making this encounter an invaluable opportunity to test their mettle against high-calibre opponents. The matches will serve as a crucial stepping stone in their preparation for the 2024 National Championships and the chance to refine practices post-camp will be vital to future success.
Netball Tasmania CEO, Mitch Coulson, has been a big advocate for creating more opportunities for Tasmania’s best netballers. "Netball Tasmania is greatly appreciative of the support of the Tasmanian Government, who continue to invest in Netball in this state to create more opportunities for our netballers to progress and develop in our own backyard. The match play against Victoria is critical in enabling Tasmania to elevate the level of competition within this state for players and coaches alike."
It is evident that this netball camp is more than just a series of matches—it's a testament to the growth and dedication within the Tasmanian netball scene. The weekend promises fierce competition, strategic battles, and a showcase of the progress Tasmania has made in recent years. With the support of the Tasmanian Government, Netball Tasmania and Netball Victoria, this event symbolizes a new era for Tasmanian netball, where they confidently aim for top four-finishes in the National Netball Championships in the years to come. The netball community are invited to attend and watch the clashes between Tasmania and Victoria at the South East Stadium in Sorell.
SCHEDULE for South East Stadium at Sorell:
Saturday 10th February
- 4:00pm | TAS 17's vs VIC 17's
- 5:30pm | TAS 19's vs VIC 19's
Sunday 11th February
- 10:00am | TAS 17's vs VIC 17's
- 11:15am | TAS 19's vs VIC 19's
- 12:30pm | TAS 17's vs VIC 17's
- 1:45pm | TAS 19's vs VIC 19's
