SINCE returning to her preferred defensive position, Ouyen United netballer Esther Manley has felt more confident than ever.
The versatile player spent time in attack two seasons ago when shooter Tayla Willsmore went down with an ACL injury, but she feels much more at home at goal defence.
The Kangas captain has been a picture of consistency since then in one of the strongest A Grade outfit in the SFNL, leading her side to a preliminary final appearance last campaign.
Described as “a star” by coach Kyra Nathan, Manley’s performance against South Mildura in their first game of the season earned her the round 2 nomination for Netballer of the Week.
“We tried to keep it a similar as we could to last year,” she said.
“We obviously made the preliminary final and we weren’t too far away from that grand final.
“Our versatility is one of our strengths and we’re all in on everything together.
“It’s something Kyra wanted to make sure we working with during the pre-season, making sure we’re all completing every aspect of training, not necessarily just ticking things off in positional groups.
“We didn’t feel like the subs interrupted our game at all, and if we hit a lull at any stage we could make those shifts.”
Manley said she is enjoying being part of a solid United defensive unit alongside, the humble player heaping praise on teammates Tsharni Burns and Megan Jardine.
With Burns out of action for the start of the season with university commitments, a returning Casey Crothers filled the void at GK against South, while Ellen Morrish can also rotate in the wing defence role when required.
“I love the little unit we’ve put together,” she said.
“Tsharni will miss the first few weeks but I really enjoy playing with her, and having Casey come in and fill that spot has been great.
“Megan is great as well, she covers everybody so well and when she goes back there, Ellen Morrish is a ripping WD too.
“I am so relieved to be back in defence.
“I spent a bit of time at shooter when Tayla went down but I’m enjoying being back in the defensive part of the court.
“My anxiety went through the roof as shooter.
“hey must have nerves of steel those shooters, but I definitely feel more comfortable back down here.”
Manley, the B Grade Walder-Hyder Medal winner in 2019 as SFNL B Grade best-and-fairest, is also keen to play a mentoring role with the club’s emerging junior talents.
“Over half of our under 17 squad trains with us in seniors and they’re ready to be able to come up if they’re required,” she said.
“I really enjoy mentoring them and helping them to develop into senior players.”
As the Netballer of the Week, Manley receives $150 from Mildura Golf Resort, located at 287 Twelfth Street, Mildura.
