Colling lends her backing to faltering Ferns
Former captain Belinda Colling has offered a supportive voice to the besieged Silver Ferns, having experienced ‘‘dark days’’ in international netball herself.
New Zealand head into today’s Commonwealth Games semifinal against Australia down on morale and angry Kiwi netball fans demanding answers.
They have been bitterly disappointing, losing pool matches to Malawi and England, and stuttering to unconvincing victories over minnows Uganda, Wales and Scotland. The Ferns have lost 10 of 16 games since October, sparking calls for coach Janine Southby to be sacked or resign after the Games.
Colling, who played 91 tests between 1996-2006, is no stranger to disappointment or public scorn. She was captain when the Ferns butchered a six-goal lead after three quarters to lose to Australia in the 1999 World Cup final in Christchurch.
The former shooter had messaged several Silver Ferns after Wednesday’s 54-45 loss to England, their largest defeat in history to the Roses.
‘‘I’ve been there and had some dark days in the black dress and know what it’s like. It’s been pretty dark for them.
‘‘A lot of that [off the court criticism] has distracted away from the performance a little bit. There’s been so much ruthlessness directed at them.’’
Colling didn’t want to make excuses for the team and said the scrutiny was warranted. She was fortunate to play in an era before social media and hoped the Ferns players were staying off them.
New Zealand face a mammoth task against the red-hot gold medal favourites in front of what will be a parochial crowd.
The Diamonds cruised through pool play, thumping Jamaica 72-51 in their last pool match. Jamaica upset the Ferns twice in three days last month. Australia have won five straight matches against New Zealand, the last three by double digit (19, 16 and 12) goal margins.
Colling’s advice was to avoid the ‘‘outside noise’’, have confidence in their ability and be consistent in their performance, which has eluded them so far.
‘‘They’ve got to be thinking positively and they’ve got to try and get the right mindset about it because otherwise they’ll just fold.