PATHWAYS TO THE TOP

Q Obviously there is the Pride, Heat and maybe an NEAFL team in Cairns in the future, how important is having a state-level pathway for netball in the Far North?

A If you want to be the best in your sport you have to compete at a state level as a minimum. If you have a professional approach you will achieve this result and further be sustainable in that environment. Unfortunately, we simply do not have a large enough pool of local talent to make a team strong enough to take on the Brisbane-based State League teams, making it inevitable to import athletes from other locations. I am of the opinion that the State Netball League format should be comprised of all regions and not split in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Unfortunately, State League models require considerable financial resources. In Cairns, we are all competing for sponsorship as well as for sport specific stadiums (indoor), that can cater for spectators as well as facilities to train and play. All of which is achievable with significant planning and financial backing.

Q How do you find coaching at this level, obviously it is a step up from the local comp but how challenging has the step up been?

A Coaching at this level has been most satisfying. Winning games is a bonus, but seeing the players’ skills develop from trials to the halfway point has been very rewarding. What has been challenging is managing the time requirement and the extra obligations that go with a semi-professional environment and the player’s obligation to club netball.