Snub puzzles Crampton
Southern Steel standout Gina Crampton is still searching for answers why she was dropped from the Silver Ferns last October.
Crampton, who has been among the leading wing attacks in the national premiership, paid the price for Australia’s 4-0 Constellation Cup clean sweep.
She was the major casualty for January’s Quad Series and then missed selection for April’s Commonwealth Games, where New Zealand turned in a dire showing, finishing fourth and failing to medal for the first time.
The 16-test midcourter received feedback in ‘‘bits and pieces’’, but was frustrated she never got a clear explanation for her omission.
Her lack of communication from under-fire coach Janine Southby is another blow for the Silver Ferns, whose reputation has taken a hammering in recent months.
‘‘I didn’t really get a definite reason and that was probably the hardest thing,’’ Crampton told Stuff.
‘‘I’d rather be told why. If someone was better than me then fine, that’s the case.’’
National sports coaches don’t always give players, who have missed out on squads, comprehensive analysis about their non-selection. Crampton was disappointed having started in three of the four Constellation Cup matches, but understood there would be scapegoats after their shellacking.
New Zealand got worse with each game, losing by three, eight, 12 and 16 goal margins.
‘‘It was pretty interesting because I went from playing in the Silver Ferns to just not being selected at all.
‘‘I didn’t get any clarity around that, so that was interesting for me. That’s sport, isn’t it. You win some, you lose some . . . I guess they had to put the [series clean sweep] down to something.’’
Crampton’s axing proved a blessing in disguise with the 26-year-old avoiding the Ferns’ calamitous Commonwealth Games experience, which included an embarrassing loss to minnows Malawi and consecutive defeats to England, Australia and Jamaica in the bronze medal match.
Despite being overlooked, Crampton felt dreadful for the squad and Steel team-mates Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Shannon Francois, her close friends.
She took her snubbing well, embracing pre-season with the Steel and her fresh leadership responsibilities as vicecaptain while the Games were on.
Crampton has been in strong touch during the Steel’s three-game winning run, which has all but secured them at least second spot and a place in the topthree finals.
Should the Steel finish second, they would host the elimination final (two versus three) on August 8.
Steel coach Reinga Bloxham praised Crampton’s play and believed she had to be in contention for a Silver Ferns recall.
‘‘I’d love to think she’s in that conversation. I’d have her in there without any doubt.
‘‘One of the things about Gina is she’s still growing and learning and trying to adapt her game. She’d definitely be one I’d be adding.’’
With no national trials this year, premiership form will be vital when the Silver Ferns squad is announced on August 14.
Who will coach the side is another matter with Southby’s future in the hands of the independent review panel and Netball New Zealand’s board. The findings from the first part of the review are imminent.
Crampton, incumbent Grace Kara, Whitney Souness (Pulse), the uncapped Elisapeta Toeava (Mystics) and Ariana Cable-Dixon (Magic) are the main contenders at wing attack.
‘‘To be honest, I’m completely concentrating on the Steel. I’m not too worried about anything further than that,’’ Crampton said.
She has been integral to the Steel’s success, allowing them to flourish on attack after losing star Jamaican goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler over the offseason.
Crampton and the experienced Steel midcourt have built smooth connections and understanding with Fowler’s replacement Jennifer O’Connell, who has been impressive in her first full season.
Adding variety to her attacking game and executing smarter in pressure situations had been key work-ons.
‘‘It’s just a whole other level when you get to the international stuff. Being able to do it [consistently] at this level would be a great thing.’’
‘‘I didn’t really get a definite reason and that was probably the hardest thing. I’d rather be told why.’’