Moulds nears return
Nine months after a sickening knee injury, Jess Moulds is inching closer to a return.
The Mainland Tactix skipper and fringe Silver Fern won’t feature against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton on Monday night, but could get the odd quarter over the final rounds of the national netball premiership.
Moulds has endured a frustrating time on the sidelines since rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while captaining New Zealand A against England in a practice match last August.
It was a cruel blow for the experienced defender, who was on the radar of the Silver Ferns and playing the most consistent netball of her career.
The 27-year-old has participated in team training since last week and warmed up with her Tactix team-mates before last Sunday’s game against the Mystics.
Moulds isn’t doing contested activities, but was optimistic she would be ready for court-time during the final weeks of the campaign.
She was taking a cautious ‘‘day by day’’ approach with her return and was being closely monitored by Tactix physio Sharon Kearney.
‘‘In terms of playing for the Tactix that’s definitely my goal and that’s always been my goal to get back as soon as realistically possible.
‘‘My plan is to get a little bit of court-time, but how much that looks like I don’t know.’’
Moulds had spoken with national coach Janine Southby during her recovery and if she can prove her fitness, might be in contention for a Silver Ferns’ trial.
Given she hasn’t been sighted on court this season, Moulds is little chance of gaining her first Silver Fern cap in 2017. The selectors and coaches will be eager to see how she matches up against the other defenders and where she is at with her comeback.
‘‘I’m looking at a long-term plan, rather than a short-term one and I want to be around for a few more years yet.’’
Moulds is no stranger to longterm injuries, rupturing her Achilles tendon in 2014 while playing for the Tactix against the Mystics.
She had adopted a positive attitude for her ACL injury and attempted to make the best of a bad situation.
Since Tactix coach Sue Hawkins resigned in late April, Moulds has effectively been operating as an assistant on the bench to Marianne Delaney-Hoshek and working with the Tactix defenders.
Not being able to help the 0-10 Tactix on court and make a difference as captain had been challenging.
‘‘I’d much prefer to be out there, that’s for sure. There’s been times where I’ve just wanted to get out there.
‘‘It makes you realise how much you love the game. Every time I take a step out there, I just feel really grateful I can do it again.’’
Northland-raised Moulds has been at the Tactix since 2014 and will marry fiance Andrew in November.
She previously played for the Mystics between 2011-13 and it would be no surprise if they and Auckland rivals, the Northern Stars, chased her signature in the off-season.
Despite the Tactix lack of oncourt success, Moulds enjoyed the environment and spoke highly about the culture of the franchise.
‘‘I do love the Tactix and am really passionate about where we’re heading. It’s a really exciting space to be involved in.
Meanwhile, midcourter Hayley Saunders is set to become just the fourth Tactix player to amass 50 matches for the franchise against the Magic.