Home crowd drives Marlins
MARLINS captain Chloe Fredericksen is counting on the “eighth player” of the Cairns home crowd to help deliver the Queensland State Netball team four wins this weekend.
The Marlin Coast Marlins are unbeaten through five road games of the 2018 campaign, sitting three points clear at the top of the table, and finally get the chance to play in front of friends and family for the first time this season.
The Round 8 through 11 games shape as a make or break weekend for the Marlins with four victories on their home court potentially setting up their season perfectly.
Skipper Fredericksen comes back into the Marlins squad today after missing their last round of games and is keen to see a big supporter base at the Marlin Coast Swimming and Fitness Centre.
“I think the crowd will be a
massive factor for us,” Fredericksen said.
“It always makes a difference with the crowd behind you, it is like having an eighth player on the court with us.
“It will be really good and hopefully we can get a big crowd.
“This weekend has the most games of any this season, which is a tough ask, but we would always prefer to have them as home games.”
The last time the Marlins played, coach Winnie Whately admitted her side were lucky to come away with two wins and will be keen for a more consistent performance today.
Fredericksen believes the squad’s team-first attitude is what has led them to five straight wins so far.
“Everyone has stepped up and we have clicked on court,” she said.