The 2014 Tasmanian Netball League (TNL) begins this weekend Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February at Aurora Sports Stadium, Hobart with a Gala Round with all teams playing a game on each day to commence the season.
The TNL enters in to its 24 year and continues to be the premier women’s sporting league in Tasmania and its longevity is testament to the strength and success of the league. Netball Tasmania General Manager Julia Phillips said that she was excited to see what the 2014 season would bring.
“The league has always been the premier state netball product in Tasmania and allows the Tasmanian public access to high quality netball each weekend. It also allows the players in the league a significant step in our high performance pathway”
Last year’s premiers Country Club Cavaliers will be looking to win back to back titles. The 2014 Cavaliers team sees some new faces following the departure of several players from the 2013 Premier team. Former TNL Premiership player Sandra Bennett (nee Bales) who played some early games with Cavaliers in the 2013 AL roster returns to full time netball in the defensive circle; with Shelby Miller and Lucy Thannhauser moving up from Cavaliers 19U team. 2013 Premiership Coach and player Dannie Carstens will concentrate on playing duties with 2013 19& U Premiership Coach Lynda Colgrave taking the reins.
Cripps Waratah, last year’s beaten finalists, will be looking to go one better this year with only minor movement with the loss of experienced campaigner Neletta Lopa and the addition of Georgia Downward from the 19U team and Amelia Fazackerley moving up from the local Premier League open team. Australian Netball League Coach Aaron Pidgeon will coach the TNL team after last coaching at Cripps in the late 90s. The team will again field young players with the exception of Sophia Saunders, Jess and Kirra Parsons.
Lexus Arrows will be looking to return to the sort of form that saw them become 2011 and 2012 Premiers. Coach Andrew Jackson’s players are keen to take that extra step in 2014 and challenge for another Grand Final win. The goal end, ably led by Captain Kate Costelloe, is strong and versatile with Reagan Plunkett and Amy Saunders both returning from last year. Experienced players Hayley Sansom and Kate Schwartz lead a strong defensive unit and welcome back from Natalie Downton from a year off.
The two North West sides will be looking to continue on significant gains made in 2013. Burnie Tigers commitment to success continues with Cherie Gillie and assistant coach Jacinda Baldwin taking on the coaching roles again for the season of 2014. Retaining six players from last year and the inclusion of six new players, Burnie looks forward to the big challenge ahead.
Optomeyes Devon will need to replace 2013 TNL Best and Fairest Ebony Roberts, who has moved to the mainland to pursue University and netball opportunities, if they are to improve on last year’s results. Coach Jo Aherne will be hoping her side consisting of a number of underage players will have benefited from their experience in the senior competition last year and will be looking to build on the improvements made throughout the season in 2013.
St. Lukes Karana Flames will be pushing hard to make the top 4 and finals this year after narrowly missing out in 2013 despite showing the quality to compete and knock off higher placed sides. Coach Donna Terry will be looking for her side to deliver more than its inconsistent season portrayed last year. They welcome Simone Martin and Georga Cuthbert to their already strong squad.
Traditionally strong and 2013 finalists Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks again coached by Kellie Woolnough will be looking to a mix of youth and experience in its 2014 playing group. The Hawks are excited and keen to commence the 2014 season with a deepened hunger for success. Northern Hawks welcome an exciting addition in Georgie Briggs from northern rivals Cavaliers and will be looking for her to build on great performances in winning grand finals that also saw her award the 2013 19 & U Best and Fairest.
Another side looking to build on positive signs in 2013 but looking for a more consistent season in order to move up the table will be Glendon Kingston Blues. Coach Erin Baker will have a different group of players to call on in 2014 with many players stepping up from a successful 19 & U team. The core group of Co-Captains Emily Handley, Emily Richardson along with Laura Jackson remain central to the fortunes of the side.
The opening round should provide a great insight in to the 2014 TNL landscape with the top 4 sides (2013) involved in clashes against each other with the showcase match on Sunday (2.30pm) being a Grand Final rematch between Cavaliers and Cripps Waratah. Alternatively last year’s bottom 4 will be looking to get their 2014 season off to a winning start.
