Nearly a fortnight since jubilant celebrations calmed down, Tasmanian Magpies’ historic win in the Australian Netball League grand final are expected to have serious benefits for the state.
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Tasmanian assistant coach Claire Dennis pointed out that the two-goal victory over Canberra Giants will change the aspirations of the game’s stakeholders and supporters.
For years, Tassie Spirit had never ascended higher than sixth in the ANL competition.
But the decision at the end of 2015 to abandon the Spirit program and affiliate with new Super Netball club Collingwood Magpies from 2017 has turned things around in just the second season of a three-year deal.
“I think Netball Tasmania has to appreciate the partnership and the pathway we’ve now got,” Dennis said.
“For our junior players growing up, what a fantastic opportunity that lies ahead for those who want to take it.”
The subtle dig at Netball Tasmania to ride the coattails of the Magpies’ success comes after earlier public criticism that its Tasmanian ANL side was a Melbourne side that left homegrown players on the sidelines.
“To put a team together from Melbourne and Tasmania had some challenges,” Dennis said. “We’ve definitely overcome that and it’s a credit to everyone involved.”
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.
