NO LOVE LOST IN FAMILY SHOWDOWN
THE expression happy wife, happy life will be put to the test for Jason and Julia Woolley tonight when the Geelong Cougars host the City West Falcons at Christian College.
The Woolleys, who local netball followers would recognise as the force behind Newtown & Chilwell’s remarkable premiership winning streak, will square off in a matrimonial battle on the court rather than in it following Julia’s recent decision to accept an invitation to switch clubs.
The 27-year-old had been playing division one netball — the second tier of VNL behind the championship division — for the Falcons after an off-season discussion that resulted in her agreeing to step down to allow her younger teammates the chance to get some more game time at the higher level.
But it was clearly not what Woolley had expected, and she said she was hopeful she would be the partner on the winning team come 10pm tonight.
“The discussion was over a period, a few months,” Julia said.
“I stepped down to division one to allow the younger players to develop in the championships division and, as hard as that was for me, I knew it was the best thing for the club.
“I was getting court time in division one but it was just a big drop down in standard and speed, and I struggled with that.
“I’m only 27 and I didn’t think that was how I wanted to see my career out, being frustrated in division one.
“Our approach to the game won’t be any different but afterwards someone will be happy and someone will have their grumpy face on for the rest of the week, so we’ll just wait and see what happens.”
For Jason, the conversation with his wife was a challenging one, but the strength of their relationship has seen separating husband and wife from coach and player easier than many might expect.
The mastermind of the Eagles’ dominant GFL reign — which is into its fifth year — and the man who has helped guide the Falcons to five straight grand finals, said his wife left his team with his blessing.
“The reason it went on for so long was (Julia) decided to stay and see how things panned out, knowing you’ve got six weeks up your sleeve, but it got to that point where the (transfer period) cut-off date was approaching and an opportunity opened up at Geelong,” Jason said.
“It seemed to make sense for her to get more opportunities, so she definitely went with my blessing, so to speak.
“At the end of the day, family is bigger than sport, so I was happy to support her and whatever was good for her netball.”
As if confronting her husband and former teammates will not be daunting enough for Julia tonight, lining up at the other end of the court will be her sister and star goaler Kath Knott.
But Woolley said she will not let her sibling intimidate her in the same manner she does other opponents.
“Kath will be all for it, but I think I’ll just be my quiet self and get on with my job,” she said.
“She is very loud and in your face, and likes talking smack.
“The footballers around Newtown love her because she is so intense and in your face. She definitely gets the team going.
“She will let me know about it and be vociferous as she always is, but I just won’t let that get to me.”