The lack of a reliable Launceston venue is the biggest issue facing Tasmanian netball according to the captain of the State League's reigning premiers.
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Speaking as the state's top four sides prepare for semi-finals in Hobart, Northern Hawks captain Danni Pickett said Launceston netballers are missing out due to competition for the Silverdome.
Several State League fixtures have been altered to accommodate Southern Huskies basketball matches this season while Saturday's Tasmanian DanceSport championships dictated that the finals series would begin down south.
Although the scenario most disadvantages Cavaliers - who had earned the right to host their elimination final against Kingston - it was the Hawks' skipper who went on the attack.
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"Now more than ever, netball needs a home in Launceston," Pickett said.
"Hobart has two venues devoted just to netball but up here we're not so lucky so need to push for that over the next few years.
"The venue was probably more of an issue for us last year when we finished on top but did not get a home prelim. This year it makes more sense with Arrows finishing on top and an SSN game in Launceston next week.
"But Kingston have finished fourth in opens and 19s but are getting home finals in both."
Cavaliers captain Shelby Miller admitted it was "frustrating" giving up home advantage to a side that finished with less than half her team's points tally from a regular season dominated by the top three.
"At the end of the day we cannot do anything about that so no excuses, it is what it is," she added.
Kingborough Sports Centre will host both semi-finals on Saturday with the following week's preliminary final scheduled to be a Silverdome curtain-raiser to the Super Netball fixture between Collingwood Magpies and NSW Swifts.
In exclusive interviews with The Examiner, the captains of Launceston's State League teams - who were both born in the city and attended Launceston Church Grammar School - opened up about their teammates, coaches and goals.
Northern Hawks captain Danni Pickett
Born in Launceston, Danni Pickett went to Mowbray Primary and Launceston Church Grammar schools and started playing netball for Spartans.
She moved into the Northern Saints development program, progressing into opens before the club affiliated with Hawthorn.
She has been at the club ever since apart from two years playing for Contax in the South Australian state league.
- Age: 25
- Height: 184cm
- Position: GS, GA, WA
What do you like about playing for the Hawks?
Our club culture is something really special.
It does not come from the start, you have to work on it and there are a lot of people behind the scenes doing that do make the club feel like such a family environment.
Our goal is to be the best team we possibly can and ideally bring home the premiership again.
Which teammate has the most potential?
Jamie Symons has only just turned 20 but has been one of our stars this season with her defensive efforts. She tries her heart out every game.
Who is the most annoying in the dressing room?
I'd have to say Ashlea Mawer because she's just got too much energy.
What has been your career highlight?
The 2018 grand final. It was one of the best feelings I'll probably ever have.
Describe the Hawks co-coaches Kellie Woolnough and Ruth Tuohy.
All the hard work they put in behind the scenes is what people don't get to see.
They keep training interesting after a long season. We're still doing different things and that keeps us engaged and involved when we've been training since October last year.
I don't have a lot to do with Ruth because she works with the defenders. Kellie is the attacking coach and has been around State League netball for 20-plus years so has a wealth of experience. She has an answer for everything and we're lucky to have her.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing netball in Tasmania?
For the State League it's definitely venue availability which is obviously quite topical this week.
With all the new NBL team talk it worries us because our roster has been changed around a bit with the Huskies playing.
Now more than ever, netball needs a home in Launceston. Hobart has two venues devoted just to netball but up here we're not so lucky so need to push for that over the next few years.
The venue was probably more of an issue for us last year when we finished on top but did not get a home prelim. This year it makes more sense with Arrows finishing on top and an SSN game in Launceston next week.
But Kingston have finished fourth in opens and 19s but are getting home finals in both.
What advice would you give young players?
Just keep doing it if you love it.
That's why I have come so far in netball because you play for the love of it and the friendships you make along the way.
Cavaliers captain Shelby Miller
Born in Launceston, Shelby Miller went to Launceston Church Grammar School and started playing netball at Hoblers Bridge for Gee Tees.
She joined Saints for a development year then moved to Cavaliers for under-19s.
She went to Victoria for a year, playing state league with Melbourne Uni while part of the Magpies' ANL squad.
- Age: 22
- Height: 170cm
- Position: WA, C, WD
What do you like about playing for the Cavaliers?
Having such a good relationship with everyone. Because you spend a lot of your time with each other it's really important that we can have fun which makes for a really good training environment.
Which teammate has the most potential?
Something I said to the group recently was that I think everyone has something different that they bring to the team. We're all individuals and have respect for each other and all bring a unique flair which forms a unique team.
Who is the most annoying in the dressing room?
The girls would probably say me, but Issy Maskell. She's always up and about but I enjoy that.
What has been your career highlight?
Playing in a winning ANL side in 2018 with the Magpies. And also being vice-captain of an ANL side this year and finishing third.
Describe the Cavaliers coach Dan Roden.
Dan is very people orientated. He loves to talk things through so that everyone is on the same page with tactics.
He's quite innovative with the drills he does at training.
With his work on the East Coast he would be one of the busiest people going around and definitely travels the furthest but never complains about that.
What is the biggest issue facing netball in Tasmania?
The participation is there for how small a state we are but I think going to the level above is sometimes limited due to exposure and money. But it has improved while I've been in the high performance program and having an affiliation with Collingwood is a great pathway.
What advice would you give young players?
Don't take it too seriously. Netball is meant to be fun. Enjoy it with your mates while you can.
SNL top 4
- Team P W L Pts %
- Arrows 18 15 3 30 148.76
- Hawks 18 15 3 30 141.04
- Cavaliers 18 15 3 30 132.24
- Kingston 18 7 11 14 95.97
Saturday finals
- 1pm 19U 3v4 Northern Hawks v Kingston
- 2.45pm Opens 3v4Cavaliers v Kingston
- 4.30pm 19U 1v2 Cavaliers v Cripps Waratah
- 6.15pm Opens 1v2 Arrows v Northern Hawks
All at Kingborough SC
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