ALEXANDER HAPPY TO TAKE A TIP FROM STORM
SHE’S a passionate AFL fan but it is lessons learned watching the Melbourne Storm rugby league team that Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander will put into play in next week’s Test series against New Zealand.
Alexander says the way the Storm control momentum and the game’s pace and the connections between senior players is what has intrigued her the most ahead of the Constellation Cup between Australia and New Zealand.
Alexander has a close professional relationship with other sporting teams and coaches, including the Storm and the Wallabies.
A cautious Alexander is loathe to give too much away about new tactics heading into the four-game series but said the Storm’s style had made an impact on her.
“That sidestep, drawing of space, creating space. We have learned a lot,” said Alexander, an interested guest at the Storm’s game against Brisbane last week.
“What I like is how they control the different periods of the game. You can see they change momentum.
“They go from pure speed to slowing things down. They control the game. They control the ball so well.
“We have taken a fair bit out of that.” Alexander has said adjusting to the no time out rule of international netball had caused her side momentum issues in the last game – and loss – to New Zealand.
The first game of the series will be played next Thursday in Auckland.
Vixens captain Kate Moloney and Queensland Firebirds’ Caitlyn Nevins have been brought into the Australian team.