The Tasmanian Magpies' loss will be the State League's gain after the Australian Netball League was cancelled on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Seven of the state's best netballers including Cavaliers pair Shelby Miller and Zoe Claridge had been part of the Magpies' 2020 squad which was looking to improve on last year's bronze medal finish.
Players were informed of the league's cancellation on Monday after financial pressures and the inconsistent coronavirus restrictions between states and territories forced Netball Australia's hand.
The decision will see Miller, Claridge and Southern quartet Rebecca Hyland, Zanna Jodlowska, Ashleigh Probert-Hill and Alex Vinen return to the State League, which is expected to resume July 24, while Winnaleah's ex-Cavalier Kelsie Rainbow will continue with Victorian outfit Melbourne University Lightning.
Miller, who captained Cavaliers to a premiership last season, said the bad news came with a silver lining.
"Normally we miss quite a bit of the State League season so I guess this year it'll just be focusing on that and playing all the games for that," Miller said.
"It's always hard when you go away with ANL and then have to try and slot back in with your team, so it'll be nice to have a consistent season with them and see out every game so I guess that's a positive of the cancellation.
"Hopefully down the track later on in the year there might be a few opportunities to play at a higher level but I guess we're lucky that State League is still going ahead and that's a competitive competition, so it's not like netball has been totally cancelled for us."
Miller said she and her Magpies teammates were disappointed but not surprised by the decision.
"As hopeful as we were, I think everyone was sort of braced and ready for an announcement like that," said Miller, who turns 23 on Saturday.
"It's pretty deflating, especially when you look at all the work you've done so far trying to stay connected and stay fit over COVID.
"But I think everyone respects the decision and there's so many other people in the same boat so you just have to kind of take it as it is."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
One of four Launceston-raised players in the Magpies' 2018 ANL premiership side, Miller was promoted to vice-captain last year under Rainbow and Mel Bragg.
The mid-courter had laid out big plans for 2020 before the coronavirus outbreak changed everything from her travel roster to training routine.
"I think it really comes down to being self-motivated through COVID because sometimes you rock up to training when you don't feel like it and your teammates push you through, whereas it's all up to you at home by yourself to do it," Miller said.
"The goals I had at the start of this year I've definitely had to change.
"I was really looking forward to giving ANL a big crack and seeing how that went, but because we only found out [Monday] we're going to have to have a few phone calls with coaches and the [elite development squad] program and reset our goals."