Crampton in Ferns’ leadership group
GINA Crampton has been included in the Silver Ferns' new leadership group.
The Southern Steel wing attack has been named vice captain of the side, alongside former Steel defender Jane Watson.
Shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio takes over as captain.
The group will lead the team during its the Nations Cup which begins in England on Monday.
They take over from Laura Langman and Katrina Rore, who are both unavailable for this series.
As they did before the World Cup, the squad used a team voting system which included all players, management and Netball New Zealand’s CEO and head of high performance.
Coach Noeline Taurua said they had taken an indepth approach that took into consideration performance, relationships, communication styles, and personal characteristics.
Ekenasio debuted for the Silver Ferns in 2014 and was a key in player in last year's World Cup win.
She was named Silver Ferns player of the year at the 2019 New Zealand Netball Awards. Taurua had plenty of praise for the new captain.
‘‘We have all watched Ameliaranne take her game to a new level last year showing a maturity in her game, consistency in performance and ability to shoulder the pressures on and off court,’’ she said.
‘‘On top of that she is such a lovely person who genuinely wants the best for others and ultimately for the team to be the best.
‘‘As a result of our process she has the respect of her peers and management. Respect and trust is crucial in leadership as we continue to pursue to live and breathe the values of the Silver Fern.’’
Crampton and Watson, who also had a stint with the Steel, bring experience to help Ekenasio.
Both debuted for the Silver Ferns in 2016, after outstanding seasons for the Steel.
‘‘Both Jane and Gina are captains within their ANZ Premiership teams and have complementary skills that will provide support for Ameliaranne,” Taurua said.
‘‘It was important to find that right mix in looking ahead to the future but also naming a leadership group that led by example on and off court for the now.
‘‘Our current Silver Ferns environment needs to keep growing and adapting to the personnel we have in the mix.
‘‘We have strong structures in place. Changes are always good and healthy to ensure we don’t become stagnant.’’
The Silver Ferns play the England Roses on Monday at 6am (NZ time), followed by Jamaica (January 23, 6.30am, in Birmingham) and South Africa (January 26, 3.30am, in London).
The final of the Nations Cup will be in London on January 27.