Hunter Netball will keep “chipping away” to ensure a strong pathway is in place for the region’s talented athletes.
Chair Jodi Cassar PSM reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to those players – male and female – aspiring to compete at a higher level, telling them to “hang in there”.
Her vow came as the Metro League side wrapped up its 2023 season in the prestigious Sydney-based competition.
The squad – coach Lexi Unicomb, manager Sally Unicomb, players Carrie Lind, Mia Marshall, Ella McCluskey, Kienna Clegg, Zahlee Connolly, Tara Fidock, Lilian Howe, Xanthe Rheinburger, Emily Morgan, Olivia Pirillo, Ella Smith, Ella Tupou and training partners Erin Dalzell, Famke McCallum, Lara Mellon, Midori Rees, Tahni Sunerton and Lucy Webber – finished ninth, after moving up a division.
“I’m really proud of the way the girls went about their business,” Cassar said.
“It’s a big commitment travelling to Sydney every week, on top of everything else in their lives.
“While they had a mixed year on the court, the scorelines don’t always tell the full story.
“They enjoyed some really, really good wins, as well as a draw, and several narrow losses.
“But, Hunter Netball was competitive in most matches.
“It’s about maintaining that strength for the full 60 minutes.
“There would be a drop in intensity for a quarter, here and there, or a missed ball or chance… and things changed so quickly.
“I believe they’ve had a good season.
“They’re a great bunch of girls and it’s certainly been a learning, and development, curve for them.
“That’s all we can ask for.
“So, from that point of view, it’s been really positive.
“My advice to them is ‘hang in there’.”
I’m really passionate about securing a 4,500-5,000-seat centre to showcase games in the region.
Jodi Cassar
Cassar said preparations for 2024 were already underway.
“We’ve got our selections open at the moment, so athletes are just nominating now by either our Facebook page or the website,” she explained.
“Then, we’ll host the squad try-outs in November.
“They’ll start training straight away, a bit of pre-season before Christmas, and return properly in the new year.
“Usually, the core group comes back, and we’ll pick up some newcomers as well.
“However, it’s all about having a look at the available talent out there… and there’s a lot.”
Last month, Hunter Netball lost its battle to secure a berth in Netball NSW’s Premier League competition.
But, Cassar admitted she “won’t give up” on that dream.
“In terms of stuff away from the netball court, it’s actually been a pretty tough year,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We have a couple of things that we’re really committed to pursuing, and realising, for athletes across the Hunter.
“One, is the need for an indoor facility and, secondly, to field a local side in the Premier League.
“We recently placed a bid (with Netball NSW) and gave the proposal a fair crack.
“Even though we missed out, CEO Tracy Scott came up to the Hunter and met with the board a few weeks ago.
“We discussed pathway options, how we can continue to progress, things like that.
“Netball NSW indicated it was exploring a 12-team competition down the track and, while that doesn’t guarantee us a spot, it gives you some hope.
“So, we’ll keep working towards that.
“I also have a meeting in early October with the NSW Government about infrastructure in the Hunter.
“Now, that there are new MPs in parliament, we’re keen to begin those conversations.
“I’m really passionate about securing a 4,500-5,000-seat centre to showcase games in the region.
“If we can achieve that, it will allow us to host Suncorp Super Netball and international games, for example.
“We always attract big crowds to those matches, whenever they come to the Hunter.
“So, it’s something we’ll fight for.”
In the meantime, Hunter Netball is gearing up for the popular Summer Series.
“Netball doesn’t end for us anymore,” Cassar said.
“We’ve got that [Summer Series] coming up, which is a great opportunity for associations from across the Hunter and Central Coast, as well as their club teams.
“Some really strong sides, whether they’re club or reps, come together to play different people who they don’t necessarily meet on a Saturday.
“And, it’s a short, sharp eight-week competition with finals at the end.
“That will begin in October, with women’s divisions for those 15 and older, as well as mixed and men’s formats.
“We’re really trying to grow that male pathway, too.
“So, whether that’s through the men’s divisions here in the Hunter or through the mixed competition, we’re hoping more will be involved in the sport.”
For more sports stories:
- Hunter Netball: Ella Smith named Metro MVP
- GALLERY: Grand finals cap off successful Newcastle netball season
- Softballer Callum Beashel pitches up top university sport award
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