The stage is set for the 2022 National Netball Championships after the tournament has been on a three-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions. The break has done nothing to quell the enthusiasm of participating athletes, and Netball Tasmania looks forward to hosting the event.
17&U and 19&U teams from each state are descending on Hobart to take part. There will be no shortage of quality netball with stars of the future on display from Tuesday 19th – Sunday 24th April. Focus now turns from the preparation phase to competition mode. Head coaches of the Tasmanian outfits in Dan Roden (19’s) and Andrew Jackson (17’s) have instilled the key messages into their chargers and put them through their paces in anticipation of the heavy schedule.
Tasmanian Captains Maddi Hay (19’s) and Ellie Marshall (17’s) are both hopeful of successful championships and have shared their views ahead of the campaign.
“We are in a position of not knowing how we compare to other states” Marshall surmises, with states last competing against each other in 2019.
“Our team goal is to make Top 4, so we hope to win enough games to achieve that goal.”
Hay is also keen to secure some victories in front of a home crowd.
“Working hard for the team and keeping my teammates heads high and focused on the game is key.”
In terms of who has been tearing up the training track, the captains have made their picks.
“Georgia Pyke has been working so hard in a relatively new position of GD. She’s amazing to play with and watch on court” states Hay.
“Tyrah Bacon has been shooting so well from range and Paige O’Neill makes unbelievable intercepts thanks to her incredible vertical leap” Marshall explains, in a choice that was too hard to narrow to just one.
The captains are cognisant that the event will be quite challenging at times and have some teammates in mind to turn to when it comes time to lighten the mood.
“Rubi Healey and Ava Lockwood-Roden are both so funny in their unique ways and never fail to make me laugh” smiles Marshall.
“Gemma Collyer has such a bouncy personality and is really positive to be around; she can’t help but put a smile on everyone’s face” Hay recognises.
Netball Tasmania’s event lead, Kirstin Palfrey, encourages locals and visitors alike to come and support the up-and-coming talent over the next week.
“Live netball of this calibre is a once in eight years prospect for the host state. It would be great to see Tasmanian’s turn out in force to encourage our athletes while they’re playing at home.”
Tickets may be pre-purchased online here, and door sales will be available where capacity permits.
For those unable to make it courtside to support live, games may be viewed on Kayo Freebies. The fixture and live results can be followed on PlayHQ.
