New Tasmanian Magpies coach Kate Upton accepts its Super Netball partner needs to do far more this year to represent the best interests of their adopted state.
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Last season Collingwood Magpies, who controls the reborn Tasmanian ANL side, were criticised in some local netball quarters for being too Melbourne-centric.
Complaints included that the new Tasmanian team was only the state’s in name, as Tasmania’s best netballers were frequently placed in the queue behind Collingwood’s training partners.
Both Collingwood and Netball Tasmania’s initial agreement was that state-based players would fill half of the 10 spots each game.
That never eventuated.
Upton admits that fixing a neglected image of netball in Tasmania will be a “hard perception to break down”.
“We’ve reviewed the program from last year, which was pretty much slapped together late,” Upton said.
“We did the best of our ability in such a short amount of time. It’s really comforting to know that we’ve now got much more planning time.
“But importantly more time to build relationships between Victoria and Tasmania better, which is going to help us in the long run.”
Public apathy came to a head when less than 100 fans turned up for one of Tasmanian Magpies’ two home Launceston games, leaving the Silverdome near empty.
The former Collingwood assistant disputes that axing Tasmanian coach Jon Fletcher – the former Tassie Spirit coach – from the role that the state will lose its voice.
Upton will hold a training camp in Melbourne in early February and another in Launceston in late March along with Collingwood to bring all players together.
Collingwood also hosts a free coaches forum on Friday in Launceston with new defensive specialist Rob Wright.
“I want to come over for a couple or more visits even before the season starts to be in attendance at Tasmanian training to make sure we’re heading in the right direction and we’re making the right selections when we’re picking the side,” Upton said.
Assistant Claire Dennis and state high-performance coach Jo McDermid will both train the Tasmanians.
“Are they going to be up to the same standard?” Upton said. “Some of them, absolutely, yes. Some of them are a project in the making.”
But Upton warns it won’t come at the expense of picking the best side each week.
“It’s my job to make sure we get them ready – whether it’s this year, next year or the year after,” she said. “My job is to get as many Tasmanians on the court, even through a longer period of time.”
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
